Anzaite-(Ce) is a rare cerium iron titanium oxide belonging to the aeschynite group. It is typically found as small, dark, submetallic prismatic crystals within alkaline pegmatite environments, often identified by its distinct chemical composition and specific geological associations.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAeschynite Group family

Anzaite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this anzaite-(ce)?

4-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 anzaite-(ce) with a known reference. Anzaite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: grayish black.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Anzaite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Anzaite-(Ce) and brilliant submetallic, waxy to resinous on fractures on Euxenite-(Y).

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Often found alongside anzaite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with anzaite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ce₄³⁺Fe²⁺Ti₆O₁₈(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 5.054 g/cm³
Colors: Grayish black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A late hydrothermal mineral in altered calcite-amphibole-clinopyroxene silicocarbonatite

Where rockhounds find anzaite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Afrikanda silicocarbonatite, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A late hydrothermal mineral in altered calcite-amphibole-clinopyroxene silicocarbonatite. If you start seeing titanite, hibschite, clinochlore in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify anzaite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: submetallic. Common colors include grayish black.

Where is anzaite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Afrikanda silicocarbonatite, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Is anzaite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral contains thorium and should be handled with caution; avoid inhalation of dust and store in a lead-lined container away from other minerals.

What rocks look like anzaite-(ce)?+

Anzaite-(Ce) is most often confused with Aeschynite-(Ce), Euxenite-(Y). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Anzaite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Titanite, Hibschite, Clinochlore, Calcite, Ilmenite, Ti-rich magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: A late hydrothermal mineral in altered calcite-amphibole-clinopyroxene silicocarbonatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anzaite-(ce) used for?+

Anzaite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find anzaite-(ce) on the map

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