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. Stetindite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Stetindite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
- 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 vitreous on Stetindite-(Ce) and adamantine on Zircon.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Stetindite-(Ce) leaves white, Thorite leaves dark brown; luster reads vitreous on Stetindite-(Ce) and resinous 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
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Small Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find stetindite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Stetind, Norway
- Harding Pegmatite, New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where stetindite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify stetindite-(ce)?+
Where is stetindite-(ce) found?+
How much is stetindite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like stetindite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with stetindite-(ce)?+
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Find stetindite-(ce) on the map
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