Hydroxykenopyrochlore is a rare cerium barium niobium hydroxide that forms lemon-yellow to yellow parts of irregular grains. It occurs in nb-ore from weathered alkaline carbonatite. It is associated with baryte and magnetite. It was first described from the Nb-ore deposit of Compania Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Is this hydroxykenopyrochlore?
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 hydroxykenopyrochlore with a known reference. Hydroxykenopyrochlore sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxykenopyrochlore leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxykenopyrochlore typically shows a vitreous to adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lemon-yellow, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: parts of irregular grains.
Often found alongside hydroxykenopyrochlore
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxykenopyrochlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (☐,Ce,Ba)₂(Nb,Ti)₂O₆(OH,F)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Parts of Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find hydroxykenopyrochlore
Classic worldwide localities
- Nb-ore deposit of Compania Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), Minas Gerais, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where hydroxykenopyrochlore typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, feldspar, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a parts of irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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