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 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vitusite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vitusite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pinkish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often as rounded grains or aggregates.
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
- Na₃(Ce,La,Nd)(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.67 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Rounded Grains or Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Nepheline Syenites and Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find vitusite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic nepheline syenites and pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vitusite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, sodalite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often as rounded grains or aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vitusite-(ce)?+
Where is vitusite-(ce) found?+
How much is vitusite-(ce) worth?+
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
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
