Qaqarssukite-(Ce) is a rare barium-cerium carbonate fluoride mineral typically found as small, platy crystals or granular masses within carbonatite complexes. Collectors prize this mineral for its scarcity and specific type locality in Greenland, where it is often associated with other carbonate and accessory minerals. Identification usually requires professional chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to more common rare-earth-bearing carbonates.
Is this qaqarssukite-(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 qaqarssukite-(ce) with a known reference. Qaqarssukite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Qaqarssukite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Qaqarssukite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often found alongside qaqarssukite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with qaqarssukite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaCe(CO₃)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonatite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find qaqarssukite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Qaqarssuk carbonatite complex, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatite country — that is the host setting where qaqarssukite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify qaqarssukite-(ce)?+
Where is qaqarssukite-(ce) found?+
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What minerals are found with qaqarssukite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does qaqarssukite-(ce) form in?+
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Find qaqarssukite-(ce) on the map
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