Fergusonite-(Ce) is a rare radioactive rare-earth niobate mineral typically found in granitic pegmatites. It usually forms as small, brownish-black tetragonal prisms that are often metamict due to internal radiation damage. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and association with other rare earth minerals.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareFergusonite Group family

Fergusonite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this fergusonite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch fergusonite-(ce) with a known reference. Fergusonite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fergusonite-(Ce) leaves a pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fergusonite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, black, yellow, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Fergusonite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Fergusonite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow, Euxenite leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish-brown; luster reads vitreous on Fergusonite-(Ce) and submetallic, resinous, greasy on Euxenite.

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Often found alongside fergusonite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with fergusonite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CeNbO₄
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Black Yellow Orange
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find fergusonite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
Norway
Canada
USA
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where fergusonite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing allanite, zircon, monazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fergusonite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include brown, black, yellow, orange.

Where is fergusonite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; Norway; Canada; USA; Russia.

How much is fergusonite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fergusonite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. This mineral is radioactive and contains rare earth elements. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, and store away from prolonged contact in a shielded container. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fergusonite-(ce)?+

Fergusonite-(Ce) is most often confused with Fergusonite-(Y), Euxenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fergusonite-(ce)?+

Fergusonite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Allanite, Zircon, Monazite, Feldspar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fergusonite-(ce) form in?+

Fergusonite-(Ce) typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fergusonite-(ce) used for?+

Fergusonite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find fergusonite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.