Mosandrite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral typically found in nepheline syenite pegmatites. It often forms elongated prismatic crystals or fibrous radial clusters that are yellowish to reddish-brown in color. It is highly valued by collectors of rare earth minerals from alkaline igneous environments.
Is this mosandrite-(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 mosandrite-(ce) with a known reference. Mosandrite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mosandrite-(Ce) leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mosandrite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Mosandrite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mosandrite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with mosandrite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,Ce)₈(Ti,Zr,Nb)(Si₂O₇)₄(O,OH,F)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find mosandrite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Langesundsfjord, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where mosandrite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mosandrite-(ce)?+
Where is mosandrite-(ce) found?+
How much is mosandrite-(ce) worth?+
Is mosandrite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like mosandrite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with mosandrite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does mosandrite-(ce) form in?+
What is mosandrite-(ce) used for?+
Find mosandrite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
