Manaevite-(Ce) is a rare cerium-bearing member of the vesuvianite group found in the Ilmen Mountains. It typically forms brown, prismatic crystals within alkaline pegmatite environments and is highly sought after by advanced collectors of rare earth minerals.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareVesuvianite Group family

Manaevite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this manaevite-(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 manaevite-(ce) with a known reference. Manaevite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manaevite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manaevite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside manaevite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₁₉MgAl₄(Fe³⁺)₂(Si₂O₇)₄(SiO₄)₁₀O(OH)₉
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Dark Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find manaevite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Manaevskoe deposit, Ilmen Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where manaevite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, chlorite, fluorite 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 manaevite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, dark brown.

Where is manaevite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Manaevskoe deposit, Ilmen Mountains, Russia.

How much is manaevite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like manaevite-(ce)?+

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

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

Manaevite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Chlorite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is manaevite-(ce) used for?+

Manaevite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find manaevite-(ce) on the map

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