Parisite-(Ce) is a rare earth fluorocarbonate mineral recognized for its distinctive, often elongated, pseudo-hexagonal bipyramidal crystal habits. It is highly sought after by collectors for its sharp, translucent brown crystals, particularly those originating from the classic emerald-bearing hydrothermal deposits in Colombia.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Parisite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this parisite-(ce)?

5-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 parisite-(ce) with a known reference. Parisite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parisite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parisite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: hexagonal bipyramidal crystals, often in tapered or pseudo-hexagonal aggregates.

Often found alongside parisite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCe₂(CO₃)₃F₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.42 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Bipyramidal Crystals, Often in Tapered or Pseudo-hexagonal Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Carbonatites, Hydrothermal Veins, And Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200-800 cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find parisite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Muzo, Colombia
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Mountain Pass, USA
Bayun Obo, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatites, hydrothermal veins, and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where parisite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, fluorite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal bipyramidal crystals, often in tapered or pseudo-hexagonal aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parisite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is parisite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Muzo, Colombia; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Mountain Pass, USA; Bayun Obo, China.

How much is parisite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200-800 cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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

Parisite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Fluorite, Barite, Quartz, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Parisite-(Ce) typically forms in carbonatites, hydrothermal veins, and alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parisite-(ce) used for?+

Parisite-(Ce) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find parisite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.