Diversilite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral primarily found in hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms yellow, platy crystals that occur in radiating clusters or isolated blades, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification due to its similarity to other complex silicates.
Is this diversilite-(ce)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch diversilite-(ce) with a known reference. Diversilite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: fan shaped, platy, subhedral crystals.
Often confused with
Diversilite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Diversilite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Diversilite-(Ce) leaves white, Lamprophyllite leaves pale yellow, may have an orange tint; luster reads vitreous on Diversilite-(Ce) and submetallic on cleavages on Lamprophyllite.
How to tell apart: Diversilite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Diversilite-(Ce) leaves white, Barytolamprophyllite leaves light brown.
Often found alongside diversilite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with diversilite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ba₆Ce₂FeTi₃Si₁₂O₃₆(OH)₁₀·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Fan shaped, platy, subhedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a complex granitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find diversilite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Yukspor, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a complex granitic pegmatite. If you start seeing nepheline, sodalite, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: fan shaped, platy, subhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify diversilite-(ce)?+
Where is diversilite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like diversilite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with diversilite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does diversilite-(ce) form in?+
What is diversilite-(ce) used for?+
Find diversilite-(ce) on the map
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