Ferronordite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral primarily found in the highly alkaline intrusive complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It typically appears as yellowish-white tabular or prismatic crystals embedded within pegmatitic rocks. Collectors value it as a scarce member of the complex alkaline mineral suite associated with nepheline syenites.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareNordite Group family

Ferronordite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this ferronordite-(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 ferronordite-(ce) with a known reference. Ferronordite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferronordite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferronordite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ferronordite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃SrCeFeSi₆O₁₇
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-white Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Syenites and Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ferronordite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Lovozero Massif, Russia
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline syenites and pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferronordite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, eudialyte, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferronordite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-white, pale yellow.

Where is ferronordite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is ferronordite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ferronordite-(ce)?+

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

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

Ferronordite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Eudialyte, Microcline, Nepheline, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Ferronordite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline syenites and pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferronordite-(ce) used for?+

Ferronordite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find ferronordite-(ce) on the map

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