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.
Is this ferronordite-(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 ferronordite-(ce) with a known reference. Ferronordite-(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, greasy on fractures.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, light coffee brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette.
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
- Density
- 3.46 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessLight coffee brown
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, greasy on fractures
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, rosette
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In sodalite syenites and in ussingite veins in an alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find ferronordite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In sodalite syenites and in ussingite veins in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing aegirine, eudialyte, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferronordite-(ce)?+
Where is ferronordite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like ferronordite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with ferronordite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does ferronordite-(ce) form in?+
What is ferronordite-(ce) used for?+
Find ferronordite-(ce) on the map
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