Johnsenite-(Ce) is a rare cyclosilicate member of the eudialyte group typically found in highly alkaline intrusive complexes. Collectors primarily seek it as small, trigonal-tabular crystals associated with exotic silicate minerals in nepheline syenites and pegmatites.
Is this johnsenite-(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 johnsenite-(ce) with a known reference. Johnsenite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Johnsenite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Johnsenite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Johnsenite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside johnsenite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with johnsenite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₂Ce₃Ca₆Mn₃Zr₃Si₂₅O₇₃(OH)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find johnsenite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where johnsenite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify johnsenite-(ce)?+
Where is johnsenite-(ce) found?+
How much is johnsenite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like johnsenite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with johnsenite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does johnsenite-(ce) form in?+
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Find johnsenite-(ce) on the map
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