Khristovite-(Ce) is a rare beryllium-bearing silicate mineral belonging to the gadolinite-datolite group. It is primarily found as small, brownish anhedral grains within alkaline pegmatite complexes and is highly prized by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGadolinite-Datolite Group family

Khristovite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this khristovite-(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 khristovite-(ce) with a known reference. Khristovite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khristovite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Khristovite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside khristovite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with khristovite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Ce)₂(Be,Mg)(SiO₄)₂(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find khristovite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where khristovite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khristovite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is khristovite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is khristovite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like khristovite-(ce)?+

Khristovite-(Ce) is most often confused with Gadolinite-(Y), Datolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

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

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

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

What is khristovite-(ce) used for?+

Khristovite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find khristovite-(ce) on the map

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