Gagarinite-(Ce) is a rare sodium-calcium-cerium fluoride mineral that occurs primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It is best identified by its association with unique mineral suites in agpaitic complexes and typically presents as small, pale-colored hexagonal prisms or irregular masses.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGagarinite Group family

Gagarinite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this gagarinite-(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 gagarinite-(ce) with a known reference. Gagarinite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gagarinite-(Y)

Mohs 4.5

How to tell apart: Gagarinite-(Y) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5).

Often found alongside gagarinite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaCeF₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals, massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a rare-earth-element enriched, peralkaline granitic complex (Strange Lake)

Where rockhounds find gagarinite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Strange Lake deposit, Quebec-Labrador, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a rare-earth-element enriched, peralkaline granitic complex (Strange Lake). If you start seeing vlasovite, narsarsukite, willemite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gagarinite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale pink.

Where is gagarinite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Strange Lake deposit, Quebec-Labrador, Canada.

Is gagarinite-(ce) safe to handle?+

Contains rare earth elements and trace thorium; handle with care, avoid inhaling dust or prolonged contact, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like gagarinite-(ce)?+

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

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

Gagarinite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Vlasovite, Narsarsukite, Willemite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: In a rare-earth-element enriched, peralkaline granitic complex (Strange Lake). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gagarinite-(ce) used for?+

Gagarinite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find gagarinite-(ce) on the map

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