Zirsilite-(Ce) is a rare cyclosilicate mineral belonging to the eudialyte group, primarily identified in alkaline igneous complexes. It usually forms as small tabular crystals or grains within pegmatitic environments associated with nepheline syenites. Due to its extreme rarity and complex chemistry, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this zirsilite-(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 zirsilite-(ce) with a known reference. Zirsilite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 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.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: cream.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: epitaxial, rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Zirsilite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zirsilite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with zirsilite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,☐)₁₂(Ce,Na)₃Ca₆Mn₃Zr₃Nb(Si₂₅O₇₃)(OH)₃(CO₃)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Epitaxial, rhombohedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the quartz core of a zoned pegmatite in the Dara-i-Pioz alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find zirsilite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz alkaline massif, northern Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the quartz core of a zoned pegmatite in the Dara-i-Pioz alkaline massif. If you start seeing carbokentbrooksite, quartz, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: epitaxial, rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zirsilite-(ce)?+
Where is zirsilite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like zirsilite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with zirsilite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does zirsilite-(ce) form in?+
What is zirsilite-(ce) used for?+
Find zirsilite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
