The open encyclopedia of minerals
GlossaryCite the database
Mineralogist.org
Minerals A–ZSearchCollectionsBrowse by PropertyIdentify a SpecimenCompare MineralsLocalities MapGlossaryContribute Search the Database →
Silicate

Steenstrupine-(Ce)

Na₁₄Ce₆Mn²⁺₂Fe³⁺₂Zr(PO₄)₇Si₁₂O₃₆(OH)₂·3H₂O
Hardness4–5
Crystal systemHexagonal
ClassSilicate
←PrevSteedeiteNextStefanweissite→
Steenstrupine-(Ce) specimen

Steenstrupine-(Ce) Locality: Kangerdluarssuq (Kangerdluarssuk; Kangerdluarsuk) Firth, Ilimaussaq complex , Narsaq , Kitaa (West Greenland) Province, Greenland ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 1.8 x 1.3 x 0.6 cm. A sharp, tabular, large crystal of the very rare rare-earth silicate with phosphate, steenstrupine, from the Type Locality in Greenland. This lustrous crystal has a sharp termination and is pristine. Rarely available. This is a superb, fine crystal. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0

Steenstrupine-(Ce)

Steenstrupine-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₁₄Ce₆Mn²⁺₂Fe³⁺₂Zr(PO₄)₇Si₁₂O₃₆(OH)₂·3H₂O.

It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3m).

Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–5; specific gravity 3.38–3.47; Brownish, nearly white streak; Dull luster; optically uniaxial.

IMA symbol Ssp-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 1882.

Found in ultra-agpaitic pegmatites of nepheline-sodalite syenites and syenites.

It is found associated with Lepidolite, aegirine, murmanite, ussingite, natrolite, nordite, nepheline, sodalite.

The name refers to Knud Johannes Vogelius Steenstrup (1842–1913), Danish geologist of Copenhagen, Denmark.

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 S minerals or help write this entry.