Laplandite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral found in the hyper-alkaline environments of the Kola Peninsula. It is most recognized for its characteristic radiating sprays of yellow-to-brown fibrous crystals and its distinct bright fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light.
Is this laplandite-(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 laplandite-(ce) with a known reference. Laplandite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 2-3, 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 to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light gray, bluish gray, yellow gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, radial.
Often confused with
Laplandite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside laplandite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with laplandite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄CeTiPSi₇O₂₂·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, prismatic, radial
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Bright yellow under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the natrolite zone of a pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif
Where rockhounds find laplandite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Jubilee pegmatite, on Mt. Karnasurt, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the natrolite zone of a pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing belovite, nordite, sérandite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify laplandite-(ce)?+
Where is laplandite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like laplandite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with laplandite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does laplandite-(ce) form in?+
What is laplandite-(ce) used for?+
Find laplandite-(ce) on the map
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