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.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHellandite Group family

Tadzhikite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this tadzhikite-(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 tadzhikite-(ce) with a known reference. Tadzhikite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tadzhikite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tadzhikite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Tadzhikite-(Ce) and adamantine on Titanite.

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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: Ca₄Ce₂TiB₄Si₄O₂₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Greenish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tadzhikite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Alai Mountains, Tajikistan
Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tadzhikite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tadzhikite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, greenish-brown.

Where is tadzhikite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Alai Mountains, Tajikistan; Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is tadzhikite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like tadzhikite-(ce)?+

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

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

Tadzhikite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Beryl, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Tadzhikite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tadzhikite-(ce) used for?+

Tadzhikite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find tadzhikite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.