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.
Is this orthojoaquinite-(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 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.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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. 3-4); streak differs — Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) leaves white, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.
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
- Ba₂Ce₂Fe²⁺Ti₂Si₈O₂₆(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 3.9-4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Glaucophane Schist, Natrolite Veins in Serpentinite
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail size specimen
Where rockhounds find orthojoaquinite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- San Benito County, California, USA
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in glaucophane schist, natrolite veins in serpentinite country — that is the host setting where orthojoaquinite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing benitoite, nefedovite, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Where is orthojoaquinite-(ce) found?+
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What rocks look like orthojoaquinite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with orthojoaquinite-(ce)?+
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Find orthojoaquinite-(ce) on the map
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