Semenovite-(Ce) is a rare beryllium-bearing silicate mineral primarily found in hyper-alkaline igneous complexes. It typically appears as yellowish-brown to black anhedral masses or tabular crystals associated with other rare earth elements and alkaline minerals.
Is this semenovite-(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 semenovite-(ce) with a known reference. Semenovite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Semenovite-(Ce) leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Semenovite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to equant crystals, often found as anhedral grains or granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Semenovite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eudialyte is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3-4); streak differs — Semenovite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-white, Eudialyte leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Semenovite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-white, Steenstrupine-(Ce) leaves yellowish brown.
Often found alongside semenovite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with semenovite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,REE,Ca,Na)₁₂(Si,Be)₂₀(O,OH,F)₄₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Equant Crystals, Often Found as Anhedral Grains or Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find semenovite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and nepheline syenites country — that is the host setting where semenovite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, steenstrupine-(ce), aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to equant crystals, often found as anhedral grains or granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify semenovite-(ce)?+
Where is semenovite-(ce) found?+
How much is semenovite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like semenovite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with semenovite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does semenovite-(ce) form in?+
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Find semenovite-(ce) on the map
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