Chevkinite-(Ce)

Chevkinite-(Ce) Locality: Midtmoen, Surka, Øståsen - Hadeland, Lunner, Oppland, Norway Field of view 6 mm. Depth of field is achieved with CombineZM. Specimen and photo Leon Hupperichs. — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Chevkinite-(Ce)

Chevkinite-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Ce₄(Ti,Fe²⁺,Fe³⁺)₅O₈(Si₂O₇)₂.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m). It is a member of the Chevkinite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 5.5–6; specific gravity 4.53–4.67; Resinous to dull luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Cvk-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 1842.

Occurs as an accessory mineral in some granites, and in pegmatites in association with alkalic granite and syenites; in air-fall ash deposits.

It is found associated with Titanite, monazite, apatite, cronstedtite, quartz (Aquarius Mountains, Arizona, USA).

In honor of General-Major Konstantin Vladimirovich Tschevkin [Chevkin] (1802–1875), Chief of Staff of the Russian Mining Engineers Corps.