Kukharenkoite-(Ce) is a rare barium-cerium carbonate mineral primarily found in alkaline pegmatites associated with agpaitic rock complexes. Collectors typically look for its distinct yellow to brown tabular crystals, which are often found in tight clusters within nepheline-syenite environments.
Is this kukharenkoite-(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 kukharenkoite-(ce) with a known reference. Kukharenkoite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kukharenkoite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kukharenkoite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Kukharenkoite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kukharenkoite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kukharenkoite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₂Ce(CO₃)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find kukharenkoite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kukharenkoite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kukharenkoite-(ce)?+
Where is kukharenkoite-(ce) found?+
How much is kukharenkoite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like kukharenkoite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with kukharenkoite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does kukharenkoite-(ce) form in?+
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Find kukharenkoite-(ce) on the map
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