Tundrite-(Ce) is a very rare silicate mineral typically found as small, thin, yellowish tabular crystals. It is almost exclusively found in alkaline pegmatites within the Kola Peninsula of Russia, often appearing in association with minerals like aegirine and eudialyte. Due to its scarcity and fragile crystal habit, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this tundrite-(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 tundrite-(ce) with a known reference. Tundrite-(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. Tundrite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tundrite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow, greenish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, thin plates.
Often confused with
Tundrite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tundrite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with tundrite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃(Ce,La)₄Ti₂(SiO₄)₂(CO₃)₃O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Thin Plates
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find tundrite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tundrite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, k-feldspar, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, thin plates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tundrite-(ce)?+
Where is tundrite-(ce) found?+
How much is tundrite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like tundrite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with tundrite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does tundrite-(ce) form in?+
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Find tundrite-(ce) on the map
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