Karnasurtite-(Ce) is an extremely rare phosphate-silicate mineral typically found as fine-grained, brownish earthy aggregates in alkaline rock complexes. It is primarily sought by systematic mineral collectors due to its status as a radioactive accessory mineral in the Lovozero Massif region.
Is this karnasurtite-(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 karnasurtite-(ce) with a known reference. Karnasurtite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, honey, light yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: metamict.
Often confused with
Karnasurtite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Steenstrupine-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Karnasurtite-(Ce) leaves yellow, Steenstrupine-(Ce) leaves brownish, nearly white; luster reads greasy on Karnasurtite-(Ce) and dull on Steenstrupine-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Allanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 2); streak differs, so Karnasurtite-(Ce) leaves yellow, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads greasy on Karnasurtite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside karnasurtite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with karnasurtite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeTiAlSi₂O₇(OH)₄·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.89-2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Amorphous
- Crystal habit
- Metamict
- Cleavage
- Good in one direction, imperfect in another
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the intermediate replacement zone, composed largely of microcline, of a zoned pegmatite stock in a differentiated alkalic massif (Mt. Karnasurt, Russia)
Where rockhounds find karnasurtite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mts. Karnasurt and Punkaruaiv, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the intermediate replacement zone, composed largely of microcline, of a zoned pegmatite stock in a differentiated alkalic massif (Mt. Karnasurt, Russia). If you start seeing manganoan pectolite, natrolite, epididymite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: metamict. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify karnasurtite-(ce)?+
Where is karnasurtite-(ce) found?+
Is karnasurtite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like karnasurtite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with karnasurtite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does karnasurtite-(ce) form in?+
What is karnasurtite-(ce) used for?+
Find karnasurtite-(ce) on the map
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