Rinkite-(Ce) is a rare sorosilicate mineral primarily found in nepheline syenites and related alkaline intrusive rocks. It typically forms tabular, honey-yellow to brownish crystals and is sought after by collectors specializing in rare earth element minerals.
Is this rinkite-(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 rinkite-(ce) with a known reference. Rinkite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rinkite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rinkite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellow-brown, greenish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Rinkite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rinkite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with rinkite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,Ce)₂(Ca,Ce)₄(Ti,Nb)(Si₂O₇)₂(O,F)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.37-3.48 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find rinkite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Norra Kärr, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where rinkite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rinkite-(ce)?+
Where is rinkite-(ce) found?+
How much is rinkite-(ce) worth?+
Is rinkite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rinkite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with rinkite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does rinkite-(ce) form in?+
What is rinkite-(ce) used for?+
Find rinkite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
