Monazite-(ce)
Monazite-(Ce)
A variety of Minerals
What is Monazite-(ce)?
Monazite-(Ce) is the most common representative of the monazite group. It is the cerium-dominant analogue of monazite-(La), monazite-(Nd), and monazite-(Sm). It is also the phosphorus analogue of gasparite-(Ce). The group contains simple rare earth phosphate minerals with the general formula of ATO4, where A = Ce, La, Nd, or Sm (or, rarely, Bi), and B = P or, rarely, As. The A site may also bear Ca and Th.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Monazite-(ce) before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Commonly reddish brown to brown; shades of green to brown, yellow brown, rarely nearly white; yellow, colourless in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Rock tumbling
- With care
- Density
- 5.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- White, faintly coloured.
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ce(PO4) Always contains major to minor amounts of other REE (Nd, La, Sm, ...) replacing Ce. Also often contains trace amounts of U and Th (coupled with Ca).
- Elements
- Ce, O, P
Also Known As
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Monazite-(ce) FAQs
How do I identify Monazite-(ce)?
Monazite-(ce) can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Commonly reddish brown to brown; shades of green to brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Monazite-(ce)?
Monazite-(ce) typically appears in Commonly reddish brown to brown; shades of green to brown, yellow brown, rarely nearly white; yellow, colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Monazite-(ce)?
Monazite-(ce) has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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