Sahamalite-(Ce) is a rare carbonate mineral primarily found in carbonatite complexes, most notably at Mountain Pass, California. It typically occurs as small tabular, colorless to pale yellow crystals associated with bastnäsite and barite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sahamalite-(Ce)

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

No image

Is this sahamalite-(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 sahamalite-(ce) with a known reference. Sahamalite-(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. Sahamalite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sahamalite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Sahamalite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

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Often found alongside sahamalite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)Ce₂(CO₃)₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Carbonatite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find sahamalite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Mountain Pass mine, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatite deposits country — that is the host setting where sahamalite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing bastnäsite, barite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sahamalite-(ce)?+

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

Where is sahamalite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Mountain Pass mine, California, USA.

How much is sahamalite-(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 sahamalite-(ce)?+

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

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

Sahamalite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Bastnäsite, Barite, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Sahamalite-(Ce) typically forms in carbonatite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sahamalite-(ce) used for?+

Sahamalite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find sahamalite-(ce) on the map

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