Laptevite-(Ce) is an extremely rare silicate mineral found primarily within the alkaline massif of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier. It typically occurs as small, yellow to brown prismatic crystals embedded in pegmatite boulders and requires professional analytical identification due to its similarity to other silicate species.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Laptevite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this laptevite-(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 laptevite-(ce) with a known reference. Laptevite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laptevite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laptevite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Aegirine

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Laptevite-(Ce) leaves white, Aegirine leaves yellowish-grey.

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 5-6).

Compare →

Often found alongside laptevite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaFe²⁺₁₀(Ca,Y)₆(Ce,REE)₆Si₂₄B₆O₆₇(F,OH)₁₀
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatite Boulders
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find laptevite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatite boulders country — that is the host setting where laptevite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laptevite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is laptevite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is laptevite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is laptevite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains rare earth elements and potential thorium impurities; store in a contained space and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like laptevite-(ce)?+

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

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

Laptevite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Aegirine, Microcline, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is laptevite-(ce) used for?+

Laptevite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find laptevite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.