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Cerite-(Ce)

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LMB545129

Cerite-(Ce)

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1.1 × 1.5 × 0.9 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.04cm
Weight: 
2.00gr
Description

Cerite-(Ce) is very rare at MSH. This is a small, but rich (for MSH), sample with some very good crystals.

The crystals are tiny – about 0.35 mm in maximum diameter. You will need 30-50X to view them.

They crystals look  similar to thin platy hexagonal rhodochrosite crystals also found at MSH. But these crystals show REE absorption lines with a gemological spectroscope. (This is due to traces of Nd that generally accompany Ce at MSH. The absorption lines are quite evident despite the small size of the crystals. But you do need some experience.)

The crystals sit on analcime and calcite.

The first pair of photos (FOV 3.3 x 2.1 mm) shows several “rosettes” of well formed crystals to about 0.35 mm. 

The second pair of photos (FOV 1.8 X 2.1) shows a larger aggregate of well formed crystals of the same size.

The third pair of photos (FOV 1.1 x 1.0 mm) is an extreme close-up (50X) of one “rosette”, a;so about 0.35 mm in diameter.

The fourth pair of photos (FOV 2.7 x 2.2 mm) shows yet another area with several well formed rosettes.

There are more rosettes scattered here and there, but the ones shown in the photos are probably the best.

Single item shipping weight (small box) is 1.8 oz. Up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g), this could be combined with other items from this or future auctions for the same postage. If you wish to keep an “open box”, let me know. Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Cerite-(Ce)

Formula: 
(Ce,Ca)9(Mg,Fe)(SiO4)3(HSiO4)4(OH)3
Strunz: 
9.AG.20
Hardness: 
5.5
Type Locality: 
St Görans Mine, Bastnäs mines, Riddarhyttan, Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland, Sweden
LMB minerals

Seller Information

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Seller's terms and conditions

In addition to the standard terms and conditions, please note the following. Almost all IDs are visual. While in most cases the ID is obvious, there may be cases where it is not. If you are doubtful about a particular ID, please ask for more information. Or do not bid! Similarly, if you are not sure that the specimen meets your criteria, do not bid. I have tdone the best I can with the photos. Nevertheless, if you are not happy with a specimen for any reason, I will refund the bid price – but not the shipping costs (unless the fault is clearly mine) – if the specimen is returned. This policy applies even if analysis of the specimen shows that my ID was incorrect. When in doubt, ask - or don’t bid. Note that most crystals at MSH and Varennes are micros - even if on large specimens. Please pay attention to the stated sizes. Any customs duties, fees etc. are the responsibility of the buyer.