Kihlmanite-(Ce) is an extremely rare cerium-dominant silicate carbonate typically found in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It occurs as small, delicate platy or tabular crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineralogists for its complex chemistry and scarcity.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTundrite Group family

Kihlmanite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this kihlmanite-(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 kihlmanite-(ce) with a known reference. Kihlmanite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kihlmanite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kihlmanite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Titanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Kihlmanite-(Ce) and adamantine on Titanite.

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Often found alongside kihlmanite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ce₂TiO₂(SiO₄)(CO₃)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find kihlmanite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kihlmanite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, k-feldspar, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kihlmanite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, brown, yellow.

Where is kihlmanite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is kihlmanite-(ce) worth?+

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

What rocks look like kihlmanite-(ce)?+

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

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

Kihlmanite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, K-feldspar, Nepheline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is kihlmanite-(ce) used for?+

Kihlmanite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find kihlmanite-(ce) on the map

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