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 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Diversilite-(Ce) leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Diversilite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Diversilite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Diversilite-(Ce) leaves yellow, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Diversilite-(Ce) leaves yellow, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Diversilite-(Ce) and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.
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
- (Ba,Ca)₄(Ce,La)₂(Ti,Fe)Si₄O₁₇(OH,F)₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 for high-quality micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find diversilite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous pegmatites country — that is the host setting where diversilite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify diversilite-(ce)?+
Where is diversilite-(ce) found?+
How much is diversilite-(ce) worth?+
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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