Nordite-(Ce) is a rare complex silicate mineral found primarily in the hyperalkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow to brownish tabular or prismatic crystals embedded within pegmatite matrices alongside other rare earth minerals.
Is this nordite-(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 nordite-(ce) with a known reference. Nordite-(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: light brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light brown, dark brown, blackish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, fibrous, lamellar.
Often confused with
Nordite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nordite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with nordite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃SrCeZnSi₆O₁₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.43-3.49 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, fibrous, lamellar
- Cleavage
- Distinct on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the ussingite core of hyperagpaitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find nordite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Sengischorr, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada, Tajikistan
- Dara-i-Pioz massif, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the ussingite core of hyperagpaitic pegmatite. If you start seeing aegirine, epistolite, steenstrupine- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, fibrous, lamellar. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nordite-(ce)?+
Where is nordite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like nordite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with nordite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does nordite-(ce) form in?+
What is nordite-(ce) used for?+
Find nordite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
