Huanghoite-(Ce) is a rare barium-cerium fluorocarbonate mineral typically found in carbonatite complexes. Collectors should look for its characteristic pale yellow, tabular or platy hexagonal crystals which often occur alongside other rare-earth minerals.
Is this huanghoite-(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 huanghoite-(ce) with a known reference. Huanghoite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Huanghoite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Huanghoite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular, hexagonal prisms.
Often found alongside huanghoite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with huanghoite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaCe(CO₃)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.92 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular, Hexagonal Prisms
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find huanghoite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Vuoriyarvi, Karelia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatites country — that is the host setting where huanghoite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, aegirine, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular, hexagonal prisms habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify huanghoite-(ce)?+
Where is huanghoite-(ce) found?+
How much is huanghoite-(ce) worth?+
What minerals are found with huanghoite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does huanghoite-(ce) form in?+
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Find huanghoite-(ce) on the map
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