Nacareniobsite-(Ce) is a rare niobium-rich silicate mineral belonging to the eudialyte group. Collectors typically look for its distinct rhombohedral crystals found in alkaline igneous pegmatites, often associated with other rare earth minerals.
Is this nacareniobsite-(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 nacareniobsite-(ce) with a known reference. Nacareniobsite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 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.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, lath.
Often confused with
Nacareniobsite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nacareniobsite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with nacareniobsite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂(CaCe)Na₃Nb(Si₂O₇)₂(OF)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, lath
- Cleavage
- {011}, good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In alkaline undersaturated igneous rocks and oversaturated peralkaline granites
Where rockhounds find nacareniobsite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Found in the Kvanefjeld tunnel and at another unspecified locality in the Ilímaussaq intrusion, southern Greenland
- Papanduva Pluton, Morro Redondo Complex, Graciosa Province, Southern Brazil, Madagascar
- Mecsek Mountains, Hungary, Madagascar
- Los Isle, Guinea, Madagascar
- Kilombe volcano, Kenya and Ambohimirahavavy, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In alkaline undersaturated igneous rocks and oversaturated peralkaline granites. If you start seeing arfvedsonite, sodalite, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, lath. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nacareniobsite-(ce)?+
Where is nacareniobsite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like nacareniobsite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with nacareniobsite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does nacareniobsite-(ce) form in?+
What is nacareniobsite-(ce) used for?+
Find nacareniobsite-(ce) on the map
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