Lanthanite-(Ce)
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Lanthanite-(Ce)
Formula:
Ce2(CO3)3 · 8H2O
Colour:
Yellowish white, pink, colourless
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.76
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
In allusion to the composition, containing lanthanide series elements, with cerium (Ce) dominant.
Lanthanite was first described from Bastnäs, Sweden by Berzelius (1824). In the mid-1980s, Bastnäs lanthanite was assumed to be La-dominant, and thus named as lanthanite-(La). However, Atencio et al. (1989) re-examined lanthanite from Bastnäs, Sweden and the study indicated that the mineral (at least in the sample studied) is Ce- rather than La-dominant. The official type locality of lanthanite-(Ce) is Britannia mine, Snowdon, Wales, UK (Bevins et al., 1985), however it was in reality first found at Bastnäs mine, Sweden.
Lanthanite was first described from Bastnäs, Sweden by Berzelius (1824). In the mid-1980s, Bastnäs lanthanite was assumed to be La-dominant, and thus named as lanthanite-(La). However, Atencio et al. (1989) re-examined lanthanite from Bastnäs, Sweden and the study indicated that the mineral (at least in the sample studied) is Ce- rather than La-dominant. The official type locality of lanthanite-(Ce) is Britannia mine, Snowdon, Wales, UK (Bevins et al., 1985), however it was in reality first found at Bastnäs mine, Sweden.
Type Locality:
Isostructural with:
This page provides mineralogical data about Lanthanite-(Ce).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2325
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2325:8
Similar Names
| Lanthanite | A group of related mineral species | REE23+(CO3)3 · 8H2O |
| Lanthanite-(La) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | La2(CO3)3 · 8H2O |
| Lanthanite-(Nd) | A valid IMA mineral species | Nd2(CO3)3 · 8H2O |
| Lianthinit | A synonym of Ianthinite |
IMA Classification of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Classification of Lanthanite-(Ce)
5.CC.25
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
C : Carbonates without additional anions, with H2O
C : With rare earth elements (REE)
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
C : Carbonates without additional anions, with H2O
C : With rare earth elements (REE)
15.4.2.3
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
4 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p < 1:1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
4 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p < 1:1
11.8.3
11 : Carbonates
8 : Carbonates of the rare earths
11 : Carbonates
8 : Carbonates of the rare earths
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ltn-Ce | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Yellowish white, pink, colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
{010}
{010}
Density:
2.76 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.79 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.532 nβ = 1.594 nγ = 1.616
2V:
Measured: 60° (2), Calculated: 62°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.084
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
weak
Chemistry of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Mindat Formula:
Ce2(CO3)3 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.482(6) Å, b = 16.938(11) Å, c = 8.965(3) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.56 : 1 : 0.529
Unit Cell V:
1,439.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals platy to thick tabular {010}. Lathlike at times due to extension of [001]. Fine granular to earthy.
Twinning:
On {101} as twin and composition plane.
Comment:
Space group Pbnb (non-standard setting)
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000559 | Lanthanite-(Ce) | Dal Negro A, Rossi G, Tazzoli V (1977) The crystal structure of lanthanite American Mineralogist 62 142-146 |  | 1977 | Bastnas mine, Vastmanland, Sweden | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.47 Å | (100) |
| 3.255 Å | (73) |
| 4.746 Å | (65) |
| 3.028 Å | (65) |
| 4.462 Å | (62) |
| 4.125 Å | (40) |
| 3.943 Å | (38) |
Comments:
Britannia Mine, Wales, UK. Data from Bevins et al. (1985)
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Lanthanite-(Ce)
General Appearance of Type Material:
Well-crystallized plates up to 5 x 5 x 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum, Cardiff, Wales, 84.6G.M1; The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1984,614; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 162169.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary mineral found in mine workings.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Other Language Names for Lanthanite-(Ce)
Relationship of Lanthanite-(Ce) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Lanthanite:
| Lanthanite-(La) | La2(CO3)3 · 8H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Lanthanite-(Nd) | Nd2(CO3)3 · 8H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Allophane | (Al2O3)(SiO2)1.3-2 · 2.5-3H2O |
| 5 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Allanite Group | (A12+REE3+)(M13+M23+M32+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
| 5 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Cerite-(CeCa) | (Ce7Ca2)◻Mg(SiO4)3(SiO3OH)4(OH)3 |
| 4 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Actinolite | ◻Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe0.5-2.5)Si8O22(OH)2 |
| 4 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Wroewolfeite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 4 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Ferriallanite-(Ce) | (CaCe)(Fe3+AlFe2+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
| 3 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 1 photo of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Törnebohmite-(Ce) | Ce2Al(SiO4)2(OH) |
| 1 photo of Lanthanite-(Ce) associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.CC. | Bainbridgeite-(NdCe) | Na2Ba2NdCe(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC. | Yuchuanite-(Y) | Y2(CO3)3 · H2O |
| 5.CC. | Alicewilsonite-(YCe) | Na2Sr2YCe(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Donnayite-(Y) | NaCaSr3Y(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Alicewilsonite-(YLa) | Na2Sr2YLa(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Mckelveyite-(Nd) | NaCaBa3Nd(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Mckelveyite-(Y) | NaCaBa3Y(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Ewaldite | Ba(Na,Ca,Y,Ce,K)(CO3)2 · 2.6H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | 'UM1992-05-CO:CaCeLaNaSr' | (Sr,Na,Y,REE,Ca,Ba)2(CO3)2 · H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Weloganite | Na2Sr3Zr(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Mckelveyite Group | A3B3(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | Bainbridgeite-(YCe) | Na2Ba2YCe(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.05 | 'Unnamed (MSH UK-37A)' | Sr3NaCaY(CO3)6 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.10 | Tengerite-(Y) | Y2(CO3)3 · 2-3H2O |
| 5.CC.15 | Lokkaite-(Y) | Ca(Y,Gd,Nd,Dy)4(CO3)7 · 9H2O |
| 5.CC.15 | Kimuraite-(Y) | Ca(Y,Nd)2(CO3)4 · 6H2O |
| 5.CC.15 | Hizenite-(Y) | Ca2Y6(CO3)11 · 14H2O |
| 5.CC.20 | Shomiokite-(Y) | Na3Y[CO3]3 · 3H2O |
| 5.CC.25 | Lanthanite-(La) | La2(CO3)3 · 8H2O |
| 5.CC.25 | Lanthanite-(Nd) | Nd2(CO3)3 · 8H2O |
| 5.CC.25 | Calkinsite-(Ce) | (Ce,La)2(CO3)3 · 4H2O |
| 5.CC.30 | Adamsite-(Y) | NaY[CO3]2 · 6H2O |
| 5.CC.35 | Decrespignyite-(Y) | Cu(Y,REE)4(CO3)4(OH)5Cl · 2H2O |
| 5.CC.40 | Galgenbergite-(Ce) | Ca(Ce,La,Nd)2(CO3)4 · H2O |
| 5.CC.45 | Lecoqite-(Y) | Na3Y(CO3)3 · 6H2O |
Fluorescence of Lanthanite-(Ce)
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Notes:
Dissolves in dilute HCl or HNO3 with effervescence, yielding a gel-like precipitate of lanthanide(III) hydroxides.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Lanthanite-(Ce)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2325.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Lanthanite-(Ce)
Reference List:
Hisinger, W. (1826) Versuch einer mineralogischen Geographie von Schweden. Johann Ambrosius Barth.p.144 - as Kohlensaures Ceroxydul
Beudant, François-Sulpice (1832) Traité élémentaire de minéralogie. Deuxiéme Edition [Elementary Treatise on Mineralogy. Second Edition] (2nd ed.) Vol. 2 - Tome II [Volume II]. Chez Verdière. p.354
Dana, James D. (1837) A System of Mineralogy (1st ed.)p.206 - as Carbonate of Cerium
Haidinger, Wilhelm (1845) Handbuch der bestimmenden Mineralogie, enthaltend die Terminologie, Systematik, Nomenklatur und Charakteristik der Naturgeschichte des Mineralreiches (1st ed.) Braumüller & Seidel, Vienna. p.500 - as lanthanit
Glocker, Ernst Friedrich (1847) Generum et specierum mineralium, secundum ordines naturales digestorum synopsis, omnium, quotquot adhuc reperta sunt, mineralium nomina complectens [A synopsis of the genera and species of minerals, according to their natural orders, including the names of all the minerals that have yet been discovered.]. Eduardus Anton. 348 pp. p.248 - as Hydrolanthanite
Wakita, Hisanobu; Kinoshita, Setsuko (1979) A Synthetic Study of the Solid Solutions in the Systems and La2(CO3)3·8H2O-Ce2(CO3)3·8H2O and La(OH)CO3–Ce(OH)CO3. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan, 52 (2). 428-432 doi:10.1246/bcsj.52.428
Bevins, Richard E.; Rowbotham, George; Stephens, Frederick S.; Turgoose, Stephen; Williams, Peter A. (1985) Lanthanite-(Ce), (Ce,La,Nd)2(CO3)3·8H2O, a new mineral from Wales, U.K. American Mineralogist, 70 (3-4). 411-413
Localities for Lanthanite-(Ce)
Showing 24 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Munro-Smith (2006) |
Austria | |
| Auer et al. (2017) |
| Auer (2025) |
Canada | |
| Sheard et al. (2012) |
| Sheard (2010) +1 other reference |
| HORVÁTH et al. (2000) |
China | |
| Zhang Peishan et al. (1996) |
Czech Republic | |
| Jirásek et al. (2019) |
France | |
| Remy et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Gröbner et al. (2011) |
Hungary | |
| WDS: Viera Kollárová |
| www.geomania.hu +1 other reference | |
Israel | |
| Bogoch et al. (1992) |
Italy | |
| Cuchet et al. (2023) +2 other references |
Norway | |
| Husdal (2023) |
| Husdal (2019) |
| Raade (1982) +1 other reference |
Romania | |
| Szakáll et al. (2010) |
Sweden | |
| Öhman et al. (2004) |
| Andersson et al. (2024) | |
UK (TL) | |
| Bevins et al. (1985) |
USA | |
| J. Swarts collection |
Vietnam | |
| Chi et al. (2008, August) +3 other references |
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Britannia Mine, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, Wales, UK