Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) is a rare earth carbonate mineral characterized by its tabular hexagonal habit and distinct color range from yellowish to reddish-brown. It is often found in altered carbonatites and alkaline igneous complexes as an accessory mineral. Collectors prize this species for its association with exotic radioactive and rare-earth-bearing assemblages.
Is this hydroxylbastnäsite-(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 hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) with a known reference. Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) sits at Mohs ~4, 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 to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, dark brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: aggregates, reniform.
Often confused with
Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ce(CO₃)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 4.745 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent to nearly opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, reniform
- Cleavage
- {1120}, imperfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In calcite–dolomite carbonatite veins in pyroxenite of an alkalic ultramafic complex (Vuoriyarvi complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia); in a vug in perthitic pegmatite (Kamihori, Japan)
Where rockhounds find hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Vuoriyarvi carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Ossling quarry, between Kamenz and Hoyerswenda, Saxony, Germany
- Kamihori, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
- Desmont mine, two km northwest of Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In calcite–dolomite carbonatite veins in pyroxenite of an alkalic ultramafic complex (Vuoriyarvi complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia); in a vug in perthitic pegmatite (Kamihori, Japan). If you start seeing barite, strontianite, ancylite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, reniform. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)?+
Where is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) found?+
Is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) form in?+
What is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) used for?+
Find hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) on the map
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