Fluorbritholite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup, characterized by its cerium-rich composition. It usually occurs as earthy or resinous brown masses in alkaline pegmatites and is often radioactive due to its rare earth element content.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBritholite Group family

Fluorbritholite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apatite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Fluorbritholite-(Ce) and vitreous on Apatite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Fluorbritholite-(Ce) and vitreous on Britholite-(Y).

Often found alongside fluorbritholite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ce,Ca,Y)₅(SiO₄,PO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Reddish-brown Yellow Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find fluorbritholite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Lovozero Massif, Russia
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Norra Kärr, Sweden
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify fluorbritholite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, reddish-brown, yellow, gray.

Where is fluorbritholite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Norra Kärr, Sweden; Langesundsfjord, Norway.

How much is fluorbritholite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fluorbritholite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. This mineral is typically radioactive due to the presence of rare earth elements and potential thorium substitution; store in an airtight container and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fluorbritholite-(ce)?+

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

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

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

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

Fluorbritholite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fluorbritholite-(ce) used for?+

Fluorbritholite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find fluorbritholite-(ce) on the map

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