Phosinaite-(Ce) is a rare silicate-phosphate mineral found almost exclusively in the highly alkaline agpaitic pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small prismatic to lath-like crystals that are notable for their strong white fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Phosinaite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this phosinaite-(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 phosinaite-(ce) with a known reference. Phosinaite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Phosinaite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Phosinaite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, lath-like aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chkalovite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Chkalovite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4).

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Phosinaite-(Ce) leaves white, Lomonosovite leaves yellowish brown.

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Often found alongside phosinaite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₂Ca₄(Ce,La)₂Ti(Si₂O₇)₂(PO₄)₆F₂
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Lath-like Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Fluorescence: Bright White Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find phosinaite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where phosinaite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, lath-like aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify phosinaite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow, pale pink.

Where is phosinaite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is phosinaite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like phosinaite-(ce)?+

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

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

Phosinaite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Eudialyte, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Phosinaite-(Ce) typically forms in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is phosinaite-(ce) used for?+

Phosinaite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find phosinaite-(ce) on the map

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