Maoniupingite-(Ce) is a rare cerium calcium iron silicate that forms black subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2003. It was first described from Baozi Hill, near the Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, Sichuan province, China.
Is this maoniupingite-(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 maoniupingite-(ce) with a known reference. Maoniupingite-(Ce) sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Maoniupingite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Maoniupingite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 4-4.5); streak differs, so Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves black, Bastnäsite-(Ce) leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Maoniupingite-(Ce) and vitreous to greasy, pearly on basal partings on Bastnäsite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Maoniupingite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 4.5); streak differs, so Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves black, Parisite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow; luster reads submetallic on Maoniupingite-(Ce) and vitreous to resinous, pearly on {0001} parting on Parisite-(Ce).
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
- (Ce,Ca)₄(Fe³⁺,Ti,Fe²⁺,☐)(Ti,Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺,Nb)₄Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 4.62 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In fractures in lamprophyre veins and along the contact between lamprophyre and a later quartz-alkali feldspar syenite dike with REE mineralization
Where rockhounds find maoniupingite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Baozi Hill, near the Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, Sichuan province, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In fractures in lamprophyre veins and along the contact between lamprophyre and a later quartz-alkali feldspar syenite dike with REE mineralization. If you start seeing microcline, albite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify maoniupingite-(ce)?+
Where is maoniupingite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like maoniupingite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with maoniupingite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does maoniupingite-(ce) form in?+
What is maoniupingite-(ce) used for?+
Find maoniupingite-(ce) on the map
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