Petersenite-(Ce) is an extremely rare silicate mineral almost exclusively found in the alkaline complex of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically forms thin, delicate platy crystals in cavities within pegmatites or syenites. Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, it is a highly sought-after species for specialized mineral collectors.
Is this petersenite-(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 petersenite-(ce) with a known reference. Petersenite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Petersenite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Petersenite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Petersenite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside petersenite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with petersenite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Ce₂(Si₆O₁₅)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find petersenite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where petersenite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify petersenite-(ce)?+
Where is petersenite-(ce) found?+
How much is petersenite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like petersenite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with petersenite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does petersenite-(ce) form in?+
What is petersenite-(ce) used for?+
Find petersenite-(ce) on the map
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