Polezhaevaite-(Ce) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It typically forms small, snowy-white tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other rare earth carbonates without chemical analysis.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Silky

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Polezhaevaite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Silky
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

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

Often found alongside polezhaevaite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaSrCaBa(Ce,La,Nd)(CO₃)₃F₂
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 4.65 g/cm³
Colors: Snowy-white
Streak: White
Luster: Silky
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find polezhaevaite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify polezhaevaite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a silky luster. The streak is white. Common colors include snowy-white.

Where is polezhaevaite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

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

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

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

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

What is polezhaevaite-(ce) used for?+

Polezhaevaite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find polezhaevaite-(ce) on the map

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