Manganonordite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the nordite group, typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors often look for it in the form of tabular crystals or grains embedded within pegmatite assemblages, most notably from the Lovozero Massif in Russia or Mont Saint-Hilaire in Canada.
Is this manganonordite-(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 manganonordite-(ce) with a known reference. Manganonordite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5, 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, greasy on fractures.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: rosette, tabular.
Often confused with
Manganonordite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside manganonordite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganonordite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃SrCeMnSi₆O₁₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.43 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, greasy on fractures
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Rosette, tabular
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In sodalite syenites and in ussingite veins in an alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find manganonordite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In sodalite syenites and in ussingite veins in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing aegirine, eudialyte, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rosette, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganonordite-(ce)?+
Where is manganonordite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like manganonordite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with manganonordite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does manganonordite-(ce) form in?+
What is manganonordite-(ce) used for?+
Find manganonordite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
