Stetindite-(Ce) is an extremely rare member of the Zircon group, primarily found in complex granite pegmatites. Collectors should look for small, brownish, tetragonal prismatic crystals typically embedded in feldspar or quartz matrices.
Is this stetindite-(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 stetindite-(ce) with a known reference. Stetindite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: small prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Stetindite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Zircon is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 4-5); luster reads adamantine on Stetindite-(Ce) and vitreous to adamantine; greasy when metamict on Zircon.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Stetindite-(Ce) leaves white, Thorite leaves light orange to dark brown; luster reads adamantine on Stetindite-(Ce) and vitreous to resinous or greasy on Thorite.
Often found alongside stetindite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with stetindite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 5.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Small prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In cavities in massive yttrian fluorite, a product of a F-rich fluid formed via liquid immiscibility during the cooling of the pegmatite magma
Where rockhounds find stetindite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Stetind pegmatite, Tysfjord, 135 km northeast of Bodø, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In cavities in massive yttrian fluorite, a product of a F-rich fluid formed via liquid immiscibility during the cooling of the pegmatite magma. If you start seeing hematite, hundholmenite-, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: small prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify stetindite-(ce)?+
Where is stetindite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like stetindite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with stetindite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does stetindite-(ce) form in?+
What is stetindite-(ce) used for?+
Find stetindite-(ce) on the map
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