Melanocerite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral primarily found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. It typically presents as dark, resinous, rhombohedral crystals and is highly valued by collectors of rare earth element minerals.
Is this melanocerite-(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 melanocerite-(ce) with a known reference. Melanocerite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Melanocerite-(Ce) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Melanocerite-(Ce) typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, dark red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, often with rounded edges, or massive.
Often confused with
Melanocerite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Melanocerite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown, Gadolinite-(Y) leaves white; luster reads resinous on Melanocerite-(Ce) and vitreous on Gadolinite-(Y).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Melanocerite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads resinous on Melanocerite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside melanocerite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with melanocerite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca,Y)₅(Si,B)₃O₁₂(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.1-4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Often with Rounded Edges, Or Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find melanocerite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Låven, Langesundsfjord, Norway
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where melanocerite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, often with rounded edges, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify melanocerite-(ce)?+
Where is melanocerite-(ce) found?+
How much is melanocerite-(ce) worth?+
Is melanocerite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like melanocerite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with melanocerite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does melanocerite-(ce) form in?+
What is melanocerite-(ce) used for?+
Find melanocerite-(ce) on the map
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