Daqingshanite-(Ce) is an extremely rare strontium-cerium carbonate phosphate mineral primarily found in rare-earth-rich deposits. It usually occurs as small rhombohedral crystals within carbonatite environments. Collectors value it for its unusual composition and rarity in high-quality specimens.
Is this daqingshanite-(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 daqingshanite-(ce) with a known reference. Daqingshanite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Daqingshanite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Daqingshanite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, often as rounded or tabular aggregates.
Often found alongside daqingshanite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with daqingshanite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Sr,Ca,Ba)₃(Ce,La)(PO₄,CO₃)₃(F,OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.75 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Often as Rounded or Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {1011}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Rocks, Carbonatites
Where rockhounds find daqingshanite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Daqingshan, Inner Mongolia, China
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline rocks, carbonatites country, the host setting where daqingshanite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, baryte, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, often as rounded or tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify daqingshanite-(ce)?+
Where is daqingshanite-(ce) found?+
What minerals are found with daqingshanite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does daqingshanite-(ce) form in?+
What is daqingshanite-(ce) used for?+
Find daqingshanite-(ce) on the map
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