Lukechangite-(Ce) is an extremely rare carbonate mineral first discovered in the alkaline rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals associated with complex pegmatite mineral suites. Collectors prize it primarily for its scientific significance and limited global occurrence.
Is this lukechangite-(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 lukechangite-(ce) with a known reference. Lukechangite-(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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to somewhat pearly on {0001}.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, beige tan.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic, tabular.
Often confused with
Lukechangite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lukechangite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with lukechangite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Ce₂(CO₃)₄F
- Mohs hardness
- ~4.5
- Density
- 3.97 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessBeige tan
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to somewhat pearly on {0001}
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, tabular
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A very rare mineral found in a pegmatite dike associated with an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex
Where rockhounds find lukechangite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A very rare mineral found in a pegmatite dike associated with an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex. If you start seeing microcline, analcime, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lukechangite-(ce)?+
Where is lukechangite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like lukechangite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with lukechangite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does lukechangite-(ce) form in?+
What is lukechangite-(ce) used for?+
Find lukechangite-(ce) on the map
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