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 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laplandite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Laplandite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals, typically as radiating clusters.
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
- Na₄CeTiPSi₈O₂₂·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystals, Typically as Radiating Clusters
- Cleavage
- Good
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find laplandite-(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 laplandite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals, typically as radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify laplandite-(ce)?+
Where is laplandite-(ce) found?+
How much is laplandite-(ce) worth?+
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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