Kuannersuite-(Ce) is a rare sodium cerium barium phosphate, typically light rose. It occurs in albite-lined cavities in veins that cut augite syenite in an alkaline igneous complex. It was first described from material found in Denmark (Greenland).

Hardness

4.5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareKuannersuite Group family

Kuannersuite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4.5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this kuannersuite-(ce)?

5-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 kuannersuite-(ce) with a known reference. Kuannersuite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kuannersuite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kuannersuite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light rose.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kuannersuite-(Ce) leaves white, Steenstrupine-(Ce) leaves brownish, nearly white; luster reads vitreous on Kuannersuite-(Ce) and dull on Steenstrupine-(Ce).

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Often found alongside kuannersuite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCeBa₃(PO₄)₃F₀.₅Cl₀.₅
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5.5
Density: 2.510 g/cm³
Colors: Light Rose
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find kuannersuite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where kuannersuite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kuannersuite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include light rose.

Where is kuannersuite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland.

What rocks look like kuannersuite-(ce)?+

Kuannersuite-(Ce) is most often confused with Eudialyte, Steenstrupine-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Kuannersuite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Sodalite, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Kuannersuite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kuannersuite-(ce) used for?+

Kuannersuite-(Ce) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find kuannersuite-(ce) on the map

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