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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Karnasurtite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this karnasurtite-(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 karnasurtite-(ce) with a known reference. Karnasurtite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Karnasurtite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Karnasurtite-(Ce) typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown, light brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, fine-grained aggregates, earthy.

Often confused with

Karnasurtite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Steenstrupine-(Ce)

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Steenstrupine-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3); streak differs — Karnasurtite-(Ce) leaves white, Steenstrupine-(Ce) leaves yellowish brown; luster reads resinous on Karnasurtite-(Ce) and vitreous on Steenstrupine-(Ce).

How to tell apart: Allanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 3); streak differs — Karnasurtite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads resinous on Karnasurtite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

Compare →

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: (Ce,Th,La)(Ti,Nb)(Al,Fe,Mg)₂(Si,P)₂O₇(OH)₄·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Brown Light Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Fine-grained Aggregates, Earthy
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find karnasurtite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where karnasurtite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, fine-grained aggregates, earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify karnasurtite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, brown, light brown.

Where is karnasurtite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is karnasurtite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is karnasurtite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium, which is radioactive. Handle with care, store in a dedicated container, and avoid creating dust when handling or cleaning. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like karnasurtite-(ce)?+

Karnasurtite-(Ce) is most often confused with Steenstrupine-(Ce), Allanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Karnasurtite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Nepheline, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Karnasurtite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites, hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is karnasurtite-(ce) used for?+

Karnasurtite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find karnasurtite-(ce) on the map

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