Maoniupingite-(Ce) is a rare cerium calcium iron silicate that forms black subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2003. It was first described from Baozi Hill, near the Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, Sichuan province, China.
Is this maoniupingite-(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 maoniupingite-(ce) with a known reference. Maoniupingite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Maoniupingite-(Ce) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Maoniupingite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves black, Bastnäsite-(Ce) leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Maoniupingite-(Ce) and vitreous on Bastnäsite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Maoniupingite-(Ce) leaves black, Parisite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow; luster reads submetallic on Maoniupingite-(Ce) and vitreous on Parisite-(Ce).
Often found alongside maoniupingite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with maoniupingite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca)₄(Fe³⁺,Ti,Fe²⁺,☐)(Ti,Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺,Nb)₄Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 4.62 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Subhedral to Euhedral Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonatite-related Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find maoniupingite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Maoniuping REE deposit, Sichuan, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatite-related hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where maoniupingite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing bastnäsite-(ce), parisite-(ce), fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify maoniupingite-(ce)?+
Where is maoniupingite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like maoniupingite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with maoniupingite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does maoniupingite-(ce) form in?+
What is maoniupingite-(ce) used for?+
Find maoniupingite-(ce) on the map
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