Vitusite-(Ce) is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in highly alkaline igneous rocks like the Ilimaussaq complex. It is best identified by its strong yellow fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light and its association with other exotic alkaline suite minerals.
Is this vitusite-(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 vitusite-(ce) with a known reference. Vitusite-(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: vitreous, may be greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, light green, light pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal.
Often confused with
Vitusite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vitusite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with vitusite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Ce(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.60-3.70 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, may be greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo hexagonal
- Cleavage
- On {100}, {010}, {001}, good
- Fluorescence
- Bright yellow under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An alteration product of steenstrupine in differentiated alkalic massifs (Ilímaussaq massif; Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Where rockhounds find vitusite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kvanefjeld, Ilímaussaq intrusion, southern Greenland
- Jubilee pegmatite, on Mt. Karnasurt, and on Mt. Sengischorr, Lovozero massif, Russia
- Mts. Rasvumchorr and Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An alteration product of steenstrupine in differentiated alkalic massifs (Ilímaussaq massif; Kola Peninsula, Russia). If you start seeing steenstrupine, aegirine, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vitusite-(ce)?+
Where is vitusite-(ce) found?+
Is vitusite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like vitusite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with vitusite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does vitusite-(ce) form in?+
What is vitusite-(ce) used for?+
Find vitusite-(ce) on the map
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