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Phosphate

Petersite-(Ce)

Cu₆Ce(PO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O
Hardness3.5
Crystal systemHexagonal
ClassPhosphate
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Petersite-(Ce)

Petersite-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Cu₆Ce(PO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O.

It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P6_3/m). It is a member of the Mixite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 3.424; White streak; Vitreous luster.

IMA symbol Pts-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 2014.

Found as a rare secondary mineral in weathered granite crossed by veins of milky quartz with a small amount of tourmaline.

It is found associated with Malachite, chlorite, biotite, quartz, albite, orthoclase, hematite, chalcopyrite, a hisingerite-like phase.

As the Ce-dominant analogue of petersite-(Y), which was named after brothers Thomas and Joseph Peters, curators of the Paterson Museum in Paterson.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more P minerals or help write this entry.