Polezhaevaite-(Ce) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It typically forms small, yellow to brown tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other rare earth carbonates without chemical analysis.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Polezhaevaite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this polezhaevaite-(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 polezhaevaite-(ce) with a known reference. Polezhaevaite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Polezhaevaite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Polezhaevaite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular.

Often found alongside polezhaevaite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaSrCaBa(Ce,La,Nd)(CO₃)₃F₂
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 5.65 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find polezhaevaite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where polezhaevaite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify polezhaevaite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is polezhaevaite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is polezhaevaite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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

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

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

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

What is polezhaevaite-(ce) used for?+

Polezhaevaite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find polezhaevaite-(ce) on the map

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