Rhabdophane-(Ce) (FOV 1.8 x 1.2 mm) Locality: Poudrette quarry (Demix quarry; Uni-Mix quarry; Desourdy quarry), Mont Saint-Hilaire, Rouville RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada Original description: There was a great deal of rhabdophane-(Ce) in this find but most of it was not well crystalyzed. This is one of the better isolated xls. Associated minerals included acicular radiating epididymite (XRD) and pyrochlore coated with a grainy yellow substance (not analyzed). These minerals are not visible in these photos. — Photo: Modris Baum · Public domain
Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Rhabdophane-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Ce(PO₄)·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P3_121). It is a member of the Rhabdophane structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3–3.5; specific gravity 3.77–4.01; Greasy to dull luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Rha-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 1966.
Found as a very rare mineral in some hydrothermal ore deposits.
It is found associated with Sphalerite (Fowey Consols mine, England); barite, fluorite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite (Clara mine, Germany).
Its name comes from the Greek for a rod and to appear, for the characteristic bands due to cerium in its emission spectrum, and the dominant rare earth, cerium.