Maoniupingite-(Ce) is an extremely rare calcium-cerium carbonate fluoride mineral belonging to the bastnäsite group. It is primarily found in the Maoniuping rare earth element deposit in China, typically occurring as small, platy crystals associated with other REE-bearing carbonates in hydrothermal vein systems.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Maoniupingite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this maoniupingite-(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 maoniupingite-(ce) with a known reference. Maoniupingite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Maoniupingite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside maoniupingite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CeCaF(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Carbonatite-related Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find maoniupingite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Maoniuping REE deposit, Sichuan, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatite-related hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where maoniupingite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing bastnäsite-(ce), parisite-(ce), fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify maoniupingite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.

Where is maoniupingite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Maoniuping REE deposit, Sichuan, China.

How much is maoniupingite-(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 maoniupingite-(ce)?+

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

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

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

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

Maoniupingite-(Ce) typically forms in carbonatite-related hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is maoniupingite-(ce) used for?+

Maoniupingite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find maoniupingite-(ce) on the map

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