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.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this hydroxylbastnäsite-(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 hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) with a known reference. Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, reddish-brown, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

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: 4-4.5
Density: 5.7-5.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Reddish-brown Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mountain Pass, USA
Zagi Mountain, Pakistan
Bayun Obo, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, ancylite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, reddish-brown, brown, colorless.

Where is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mountain Pass, USA; Zagi Mountain, Pakistan; Bayun Obo, China.

How much is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) worth?+

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

Is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains rare earth elements and often trace thorium; handle with care and wash hands after handling to prevent ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce)?+

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

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

Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Ancylite, Fluorite, Barite, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) used for?+

Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find hydroxylbastnäsite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.