Calkinsite-(Ce) is a rare secondary carbonate mineral typically found as small, thin, platy crystals or yellowish crusts. It is most commonly identified in samples from carbonatite deposits where it forms as a weathering product of other rare-earth minerals.
Is this calkinsite-(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 calkinsite-(ce) with a known reference. Calkinsite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calkinsite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calkinsite-(Ce) typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or radial aggregates.
Often found alongside calkinsite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with calkinsite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,La)₂(CO₃)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- {010}, Perfect; {101}, Distinct; {001}, A Parting (?)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Carbonatites or Alkali Igneous Complexes
Where rockhounds find calkinsite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Montana, USA
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in carbonatites or alkali igneous complexes country, the host setting where calkinsite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing parisite-(ce), ancylite-(ce), barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calkinsite-(ce)?+
Where is calkinsite-(ce) found?+
What minerals are found with calkinsite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does calkinsite-(ce) form in?+
What is calkinsite-(ce) used for?+
Find calkinsite-(ce) on the map
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