Rhabdophane-(Ce)
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Formula:
Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2O
Ce is almost always partly replaced by La, Nd and other REE.
Water content is given inconsistently in the literature (1H2O or 0.5H2O). Redetermination of the crystal structure, including a revision of the space group, gave 0.62(2)H2O (Kolitsch, 2021). Isostructural with BiPO4·0.67H2O (Romero et al., 1994).
Water content is given inconsistently in the literature (1H2O or 0.5H2O). Redetermination of the crystal structure, including a revision of the space group, gave 0.62(2)H2O (Kolitsch, 2021). Isostructural with BiPO4·0.67H2O (Romero et al., 1994).
Colour:
Brown, pale pink, yellowish-white; pale gray, fibers may be colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Greasy, Dull
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
3.77 - 4.01
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Originally called simply rhabdophane and named in 1878 by William Garrow Lettsom from the Greek, ραβδοζ, a rod, plus φαιυεσθαι, to appear, in allusion to the bands characteristically exhibited in its spectrum. In 1966 the suffix/modifier was added to differentiate it from Nd dominant rhabdophane. The modifier "-(Ce)" indicates the predominance of cerium over other REE in this species.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3397
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3397:4
Similar Names
| Rhabdophane | A synonym | |
| Rhabdophane-(La) | A valid IMA mineral species | La(PO4) · H2O |
| Rhabdophane-(Nd) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Nd(PO4) · H2O |
| Rhabdophane-(Pb) | A synonym of 'Lead-bearing Rhabdophane-(Ce)' | |
| Rhabdophane-(Y) | A valid IMA mineral species | YPO4 · H2O |
IMA Classification of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Classification of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
8.CJ.45
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
40.4.7.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2·xH2O
19.9.6
19 : Phosphates
9 : Phosphates of rare earths and Sc
19 : Phosphates
9 : Phosphates of rare earths and Sc
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rha-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 Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Resinous, Waxy, Greasy, Dull
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Brown, pale pink, yellowish-white; pale gray, fibers may be colourless in transmitted light.
Comment:
May be stained by iron oxides
Streak:
Colorless when pure
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
3.77 - 4.01 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.19 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.654 - 1.700 nε = 1.703 - 1.744
Birefringence:
0.050
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.044 - 0.049
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:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Optical Extinction:
Parallel
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Colorless, E tan to light brown
Chemistry of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Mindat Formula:
Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2O
Ce is almost always partly replaced by La, Nd and other REE.
Water content is given inconsistently in the literature (1H2O or 0.5H2O). Redetermination of the crystal structure, including a revision of the space group, gave 0.62(2)H2O (Kolitsch, 2021). Isostructural with BiPO4·0.67H2O (Romero et al., 1994).
Ce is almost always partly replaced by La, Nd and other REE.
Water content is given inconsistently in the literature (1H2O or 0.5H2O). Redetermination of the crystal structure, including a revision of the space group, gave 0.62(2)H2O (Kolitsch, 2021). Isostructural with BiPO4·0.67H2O (Romero et al., 1994).
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
32 - Trapezohedral
Space Group:
P3121
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.037(1) Å, c = 6.429(1) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.914
Unit Cell V:
275.71 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Occurs as incrustations, botryoidal, globular, or stalactitic forms with radial-fibrous structure. Short rod-like simple hexagonal crystals.
Comment:
Space group and cell from Kolitsch (2021). Originally assumed to have space group P6222, with a = 7.07(2) and c = 19.06(5) Å.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009142 | Rhabdophane-(Ce) | Mooney R C L (1950) X-ray diffraction study of cerous phosphate and related crystals I. Hexagonal modification Acta Crystallographica 3 337-340 |  | 1950 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0019169 | Rhabdophane-(Ce) | Mooney R C L (1948) Crystal structures of a series of rare earth phosphates Journal of Chemical Physics 16 1003-1003 | 1948 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.09 Å | (90) |
| 4.41 Å | (80) |
| 3.51 Å | (70) |
| 3.03 Å | (100) |
| 2.83 Å | (90) |
| 2.16 Å | (60) |
| 1.865 Å | (60) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Geological Setting:
An uncommon late-stage mineral in almost all of its occurrences: nepheline syenite pegmatites, polymetallic veins, also rarely from granite pegmatites, has been found in limonite beds
Type Occurrence of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France, number 77.319 (type).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Vein copper ore deposit.
Synonyms of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Other Language Names for Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Dutch:Rhabdophaan-(Ce)
German:Rhabdophan-(Ce)
Llallayualit
Llallayualit
Russian:Рабдофан-(Ce)
Spanish:Llallagualita
Llallayualita
Llallayualita
Varieties of Rhabdophane-(Ce)
| Lead-bearing Rhabdophane-(Ce) | A lead-bearing to -rich variety of rhabdophane-(Ce). Often associated with pyromorphite or other lead minerals. X-ray powder diffraction pattern was indexed by Walenta (2003) on the basis of a monoclinic-pseudohexagonal cell (the sample was uniaxial to b... |
Relationship of Rhabdophane-(Ce) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Rhabdophane Group:
| Brockite | (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4 · H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| Grayite | (Th,Pb,Ca)(PO4) · H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| Rhabdophane-(La) | La(PO4) · H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| Rhabdophane-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) · H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| Rhabdophane-(Y) | YPO4 · H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| Tristramite | (Ca,U4+,Fe3+)(PO4,SO4) · 2H2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
| 'UM1993-07-PO:CaCeHLa' | (Ca,Ce,La,REE)PO4 · nH2O | Hex. 622 : P6222 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 21 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 18 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 |
| 14 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Natrolite | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O |
| 11 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 9 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Monazite-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) |
| 7 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with 'Unnamed (Fe-analogue of Zakharovite)' | Na4Fe5Si10O24(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 6 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Matildite | AgBiS2 |
| 6 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Parisite-(Ce) | CaCe2(CO3)3F2 |
| 6 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Synchysite-(Ce) | CaCe(CO3)2F |
| 6 photos of Rhabdophane-(Ce) associated with Molybdenite | MoS2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CJ. | Airdite | Sr(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Dobšináite | Ca2Ca(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Sainfeldite | Ca5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Caesiumpharmacosiderite | CsFe3+4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Jeankempite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CJ.05 | Stercorite | (NH4)Na(PO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Swaknoite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Mundrabillaite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nabaphite | NaBaPO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nastrophite | Na(Sr,Ba)PO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.20 | Haidingerite | CaHAsO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Rhabdophane-(Y) | YPO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Vladimirite | Ca4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.27 | 'Churchite-(Dy)' | (Dy,Sm,Gd,Nd)PO4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.30 | Ferrarisite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Fulbrightite | Ca(V4+O)2(As5+O4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Machatschkiite | (Ca,Na)6(AsO4)(HAsO4)3(PO4,SO4) · 15H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Rauenthalite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Phaunouxite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Brockite | (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Smirnovskite | (Th,Ca)PO4 · nH2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(La) | La(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Tristramite | (Ca,U4+,Fe3+)(PO4,SO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Grayite | (Th,Pb,Ca)(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Štěpite | U(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.47 | Vysokýite | U4+[AsO2(OH)2]4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Churchite-(Y) | Y(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Brushite | Ca(PO3OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Ardealite | Ca2(PO3OH)(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Pharmacolite | Ca(HAsO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | 'Churchite-(Nd)' | Nd(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.55 | Mcnearite | NaCa5(AsO4)(HAsO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.60 | Dorfmanite | Na2(PO3OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Sincosite | Ca(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Bariosincosite | Ba(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.70 | Catalanoite | Na2(PO3OH) · 8H2O |
| 8.CJ.75 | Guérinite | Ca6(HAsO4)3(AsO4)2 · 10.5H2O |
| 8.CJ.85 | Ningyoite | (U,Ca,Ce)2(PO4)2 · 1-2H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in HCl.
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 Rhabdophane-(Ce)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3397.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Reference List:
Lettsom, W. G. (1885) On Rhabdophane, a New Mineral. Mineralogical Magazine, 6 (2). 105-108 doi:10.1180/minmag.1885.006.2.10
Mooney, R. C. L. (1950) X-ray diffraction study of cerous phosphate and related crystals. I. Hexagonal modification. Acta Crystallographica, 3 (5) 337-340 doi:10.1107/s0365110x50000963
Levinson, A. A. (1966) A system of nomenclature for rare-earth minerals. American Mineralogist, 51 (1-2) 152-158
Localities for Rhabdophane-(Ce)
Showing 111 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.
Afghanistan | |
| Brandstätter et al. (2000) |
Angola | |
| Beleque (2010) |
| Gonçalves +1 other reference |
| Amores-Casals et al. (2019) |
| Torró et al. (2012) |
Australia | |
| Birch (1999) |
| Bottrill & Taheri +1 other reference |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2022) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2024) |
| Auer (2026) |
| Auer (2025) |
Belgium | |
| Dehove et al. (2006) |
Canada | |
| Horváth et al. (1990) |
| Horváth et al. (1998) |
| Horváth et al. (1998) | |
China | |
| Zhang Peishan et al. (1996) |
| Zhao et al. (2022) |
| Wang et al. (2026) |
Czech Republic | |
| GOLIÁŠ (2002) |
| Novák et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| Scharm +7 other references |
| Matýsek D. (2013) |
| Škoda et al. (2006) |
| Halavínová |
| Jirásek et al. (2020) |
| Breiter et al. (2009) |
France | |
| Perinet (2014) |
| Yves Mourey Collection |
| Boisson et al. (2025) |
| Lheur (2023) |
| [var: Lead-bearing Rhabdophane-(Ce)] Leconte J. et al. (2016) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1996) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| [var: Lead-bearing Rhabdophane-(Ce)] Walenta (1979) +3 other references |
| [var: Lead-bearing Rhabdophane-(Ce)] Belendorff (1986) | |
| Lorenz et al. (2007) |
| Flügel (1987) +2 other references |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Dill et al. (2010) |
| Hentschel (1983) +1 other reference |
| Hentschel (1983) +1 other reference | |
| Hentschel (1983) +1 other reference |
| Hentschel (1983) +1 other reference |
| Klein (2006) |
| Jahn (2007) |
| Witzke et al. (2013) |
Greenland | |
| Pekov et al. (1997) |
| - (n.d.) | |
Hungary | |
| Sándor et al. (2005) |
| Sándor et al. (2005) | |
Italy | |
| Alfonso Frías Forcada Collection.Alfonso Frías Forcada Collection. Found (2023) |
| Cuchet et al. (2019) |
| Orlandi et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Takai et al. (2010) |
| TAKAI et al. (2012) | |
Kazakhstan | |
| Николаева et al. (2024) |
Malawi | |
| Guastoni et al. (2009) |
Namibia | |
| Blaß et al. (2021) |
Norway | |
| Stensrud (2009) |
| Frigstad (1970) +1 other reference |
| Frigstad (1970) +1 other reference |
| Kristiansen (1974) +1 other reference |
Pakistan | |
| Leavens et al. (2004) |
Poland | |
| Kajdas et al. (2011) |
| Kajdas et al. (2011) | |
| Pieczka et al. (2024) |
Portugal | |
| Pedro Alves analytical data and ... |
Russia | |
| Makagonov et al. (2023) |
| Igor Savin's data |
| Belogub et al. (2021) |
| Ivan Novikov analytical data |
| Arzamastsev et al. (2008) |
| [AmMin 85:1844] +1 other reference | |
| |
| Mokrushina et al. (2023) |
| Pakhomovsky et al. (2018) |
| Chukanov et al. (2005) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2013) |
| Chukanov et al. (2001) +1 other reference | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov collection (#3183) |
| Ivanyuk et al. (2006) | |
| Pekov (2000) +1 other reference | |
| Mikhailova et al. (2025) | |
| Yakovenchuk et al. (2007) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| Semenov E.I. (1972) | |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (2005) | |
| Selivanova et al. (2024) +1 other reference |
| Mikhail Uchitel' data |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| [World of Stones 12:49] | |
| S.M. Kravchenko data |
Slovakia | |
| Uher et al. (2026) |
| Kopáčik R. et al. (2024) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Calvo et al. (2009) |
Switzerland | |
| Cuchet et al. (2023) |
UK (TL) | |
| |
Ukraine | |
| Lyckberg et al. (2009) |
USA | |
| Art Smith (2001) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Silver Coin Mine. Compact Disc. Paul ... |
| Jensen (1993) +2 other references |
| Jensen (1993) | |
| Hanson et al. (1999) |
| www.uwrf.edu/~wc01/rhabdophane.htm |
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Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada