Kuannersuite-(Ce) is a rare sodium cerium barium phosphate, typically light rose. It occurs in albite-lined cavities in veins that cut augite syenite in an alkaline igneous complex. It was first described from material found in Denmark (Greenland).
Is this kuannersuite-(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 kuannersuite-(ce) with a known reference. Kuannersuite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light rose.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal, prismatic.
Often confused with
Kuannersuite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kuannersuite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kuannersuite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCeBa₃(PO₄)₃F₀.₅Cl₀.₅
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5.5
- Density
- 2.51 g/cm³
- Colors
- Light rose
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal, prismatic
- Cleavage
- Poor on {101̄0} and {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In albite-lined cavities in veins that cut augite syenite in an alkaline igneous complex
Where rockhounds find kuannersuite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kuannersuit Plateau, Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, South Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In albite-lined cavities in veins that cut augite syenite in an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing aegirine, analcime, beryllite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: hexagonal, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kuannersuite-(ce)?+
Where is kuannersuite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like kuannersuite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with kuannersuite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does kuannersuite-(ce) form in?+
What is kuannersuite-(ce) used for?+
Find kuannersuite-(ce) on the map
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