Tadzhikite-(Ce) is a rare borosilicate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatites within Tajikistan. It typically occurs as small, prismatic or tabular crystals with a vitreous luster and a distinct brownish coloration.
Is this tadzhikite-(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 tadzhikite-(ce) with a known reference. Tadzhikite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6, 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: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Tadzhikite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tadzhikite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with tadzhikite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Ce₂Ti□(B₄Si₄O₂₂)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.73-3.86 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- alkaline pegmatites
Where rockhounds find tadzhikite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- In the Dara-i-Pioz massif, Alai Range, Tien Shan, Tajikistan (Tadzhikistan) (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: alkaline pegmatites. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tadzhikite-(ce)?+
Where is tadzhikite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like tadzhikite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with tadzhikite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does tadzhikite-(ce) form in?+
What is tadzhikite-(ce) used for?+
Find tadzhikite-(ce) on the map
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