Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) is an extremely rare barium cerium titanosilicate primarily associated with the famous Benitoite Gem Mine in California. It typically forms as small, distinctive brown, platy or tabular crystals nestled within natrolite vugs or schist matrices. Collectors prize it for its association with rare-earth mineral assemblages found in unique serpentinite environments.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareJoaquinite Group family

Orthojoaquinite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this orthojoaquinite-(ce)?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch orthojoaquinite-(ce) with a known reference. Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, light brown.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) leaves white, Barytolamprophyllite leaves light brown.

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Often found alongside orthojoaquinite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with orthojoaquinite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaBa₂FeCe₂Ti₂(SiO₃)₈O₂(O,OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.98 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Light brown
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, tabular crystals
Cleavage: Good on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a natrolite vein cutting a glaucophane schist inclusion in a serpentinite body (San Benito Co., California, USA)

Where rockhounds find orthojoaquinite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Gem mine, San Benito Co., California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a natrolite vein cutting a glaucophane schist inclusion in a serpentinite body (San Benito Co., California, USA). If you start seeing joaquinite-, benitoite, neptunite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify orthojoaquinite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, light brown.

Where is orthojoaquinite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Gem mine, San Benito Co., California, USA.

What rocks look like orthojoaquinite-(ce)?+

Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) is most often confused with Joaquinite-(Ce), Barytolamprophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with orthojoaquinite-(ce)?+

Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Joaquinite-, Benitoite, Neptunite, Natrolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does orthojoaquinite-(ce) form in?+

Where it forms: In a natrolite vein cutting a glaucophane schist inclusion in a serpentinite body (San Benito Co., California, USA). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is orthojoaquinite-(ce) used for?+

Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find orthojoaquinite-(ce) on the map

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