Pale pink crystals of the rare mineral vitusite-(Ce) from the cotype locality in Karnasurt (Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozero Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation). Outstanding specimen for the species. Ex.Dr Hartel collection. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Vitusite-(Ce)
Vitusite-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Na₃Ce(PO₄)₂.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pc2_1b).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4.5; specific gravity 3.6–3.7; Vitreous, may be greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Vtu-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 1976.
An alteration product of steenstrupine in differentiated alkalic massifs (Ilı́maussaq massif; Kola Peninsula, Russia); in sodalite xenoliths in association with an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada).
It is found associated with Steenstrupine, aegirine, analcime, lovozerite, sphalerite, villiaumite, arfvedsonite, albite, microcline, nepheline, sodalite (Ilı́maussaq intrusion.
The mineral was named to honor Vitus Bering (1681–1741), Danish-Russian explorer of the Arctic seas, and the dominant rare earth, cerium.