Cheralite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Cheralite
Chera
Formula:
CaTh(PO4)2
Colour:
Grayish brown to reddish brown (on rims), pale yellow, brownish green ("brabantite" material)
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
4.72 - 5.02
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named after Chera, an ancient kingdom in southern India, that includes the type locality.
Monazite Group. The CaTh(PO4)2-dominant member of the group. Formerly known as "brabantite".
Redefined by Linthout (2007).
Not to be confused with the discredited cheralite-(Ce) (= Ca-rich monazite-(Ce)).
Compare 'UM1979-07-PO:CaFeHREESiTh'; 'UM1979-08-PO:CCaFeHREESiTh', 'UM1979-10-PO:FeHREETh' and 'UM1980-04-PO:CaHREETh'.
Redefined by Linthout (2007).
Not to be confused with the discredited cheralite-(Ce) (= Ca-rich monazite-(Ce)).
Compare 'UM1979-07-PO:CaFeHREESiTh'; 'UM1979-08-PO:CCaFeHREESiTh', 'UM1979-10-PO:FeHREETh' and 'UM1980-04-PO:CaHREETh'.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
6865
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6865:5
Similar Names
| Cheralite-(Ce) | A discredited species name |
| Theralite | A rock subtype |
IMA Classification of Cheralite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
IMA Formula:
CaTh4+(PO4)2
First published:
1953
Approval history:
Redefined IMA 05-F: The name cheralite is applied to the members dominated by CaTh(PO4)2 in the system 2(REEPO4) - CaTh(PO4)2 - 2(ThSiO4); the name brabantite is discredited. See Linthout (2007).
Classification of Cheralite
8.AD.50
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
38.4.3.5
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
4 : AXO4
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
4 : AXO4
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Cher | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Crl | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Cheralite
Vitreous
Comment:
Dull or greasy ("brabantite")
Colour:
Grayish brown to reddish brown (on rims), pale yellow, brownish green ("brabantite" material)
Comment:
Brown-gray in thin section ("brabantite" material).
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Density:
4.72 - 5.02 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.26 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
all data for "brabantite"; measured after heating to 900oC
Optical Data of Cheralite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.779 nβ = 1.78 nγ = 1.817
2V:
Measured: 17° to 20°, Calculated: 20°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.038
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 biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
weak
Comments:
for "brabantite": nα = 1.691, nβ = 1.696–1.73, nγ = 1.725 2V (measured) = 44◦
Chemistry of Cheralite
Mindat Formula:
CaTh(PO4)2
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Si,REE
Crystallography of Cheralite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.726(1) Å, b = 6.933(5) Å, c = 6.447(12) Å
β = 103.93(27)°
β = 103.93(27)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.97 : 1 : 0.93
Unit Cell V:
291.79 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Comment:
Space group P21/n; data for "brabantite"
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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Display Options
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Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
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Labels
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000152 | Cheralite | Finney J J, Rao N N (1967) The crystal structure of cheralite American Mineralogist 52 13-19 |  | 1967 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.06 Å | (100) |
| 2.85 Å | (75) |
| 3.26 Å | (70) |
| 4.15 Å | (30) |
| 1.947 Å | (30) |
| 3.46 Å | (25) |
| 2.14 Å | (25) |
Comments:
data for "brabantite"
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks |
Geological Setting:
Rare-metal-bearing pegmatites (e.g. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China) & Kuttankuli, India.
Type Occurrence of Cheralite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
"Brabantite" material: elongated crystals; aggregates to 1.5 cm; massive, fine-granular
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom, number BM 1947,344 (holotype, India).
Institute for Mineralogy and Crystallography, Berlin Technical University, Berlin, Germany, number 81/40 (holotype, Namibia).
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 149681 (type, Namibia).
Institute for Mineralogy and Crystallography, Berlin Technical University, Berlin, Germany, number 81/40 (holotype, Namibia).
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 149681 (type, Namibia).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Zoned granite pegmatite ("brabantite" material).
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Cheralite
Other Language Names for Cheralite
Relationship of Cheralite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Monazite Supergroup:
| Crocoite | PbCr6+O4 | Mon. 2/m |
| Gasparite Group | REE(AsO4) | |
| Huttonite | ThSiO4 | Mon. 2/m |
| Monazite Group | REE(PO4) | |
| Rooseveltite | Bi(AsO4) | Mon. 2/m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 6 photos of Cheralite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 5 photos of Cheralite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 4 photos of Cheralite associated with Monazite-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) |
| 4 photos of Cheralite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 2 photos of Cheralite associated with Bastnäsite-(Ce) | Ce(CO3)F |
| 2 photos of Cheralite associated with Fluorapatite | Ca5(PO4)3F |
| 2 photos of Cheralite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Cheralite associated with Euxenite-(Y) | (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 |
| 2 photos of Cheralite associated with Rutile | TiO2 |
| 1 photo of Cheralite associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.AD. | 'Unnamed (Monoclinic polymorph of ximengite)' | Bi(PO4) |
| 8.AD. | Keplerite | Ca9(Ca0.5◻0.5)Mg(PO4)7 |
| 8.AD. | Mazorite | Ba3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AD. | Deynekoite | Ca9◻Fe3+(PO4)7 |
| 8.AD. | Monazite-(Gd) | Gd(PO4) |
| 8.AD.05 | Nahpoite | Na2(PO3OH) |
| 8.AD.10 | Weilite | Ca(HAsO4) |
| 8.AD.10 | Švenekite | Ca(H2AsO4)2 |
| 8.AD.10 | Monetite | Ca(PO3OH) |
| 8.AD.15 | Archerite | (K,NH4)(H2PO4) |
| 8.AD.15 | Biphosphammite | NH4(H2PO4) |
| 8.AD.20 | Phosphammite | (NH4)2(PO3OH) |
| 8.AD.25 | Buchwaldite | NaCa(PO4) |
| 8.AD.30 | Schulténite | Pb(HAsO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Dreyerite | Bi(VO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Wakefieldite-(La) | La(VO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Anningite-(Ce) | (Ca0.5Ce4+0.5)(VO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Pretulite | Sc(PO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Wakefieldite-(Ce) | Ce(VO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Wakefieldite-(Y) | Y(VO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Xenotime-(Yb) | Yb(PO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | 'Chernovite-(Ce)' | (Ce,Y)(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Xenotime-(Gd) | Gd(PO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Chernovite-(Y) | Y(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Xenotime-(Y) | Y(PO4) |
| 8.AD.35 | Wakefieldite-(Nd) | Nd(VO4) |
| 8.AD.40 | Pucherite | Bi(VO4) |
| 8.AD.45 | Ximengite | Bi(PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | 'UM2005-35-VO:CaFePSiTh' | (Th,Ca)(VO4,SiO4,PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Rooseveltite | Bi(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Gasparite-(Ce) | Ce(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Monazite-(Sm) | Sm(PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Monazite-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Monazite-(La) | La(PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Monazite-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) |
| 8.AD.50 | Gasparite-(La) | La(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.55 | Tetrarooseveltite | Bi(AsO4) |
| 8.AD.60 | Chursinite | [Hg2]2+Hg2+2[AsO4]2 |
| 8.AD.65 | Clinobisvanite | Bi(VO4) |
| 8.AD.70 | Gurimite | Ba3(VO4)2 |
| 8.AD.75 | Picaite | NaCa[AsO3OH][AsO2(OH)2] |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 50.2183% | 2,008,732 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 0.0000% | 0 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Other Information
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 Cheralite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-6865.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Cheralite
Reference List:
Bowie, S. H. U., Horne, J. E. T. (1953) Cheralite, a new mineral of the monazite group. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 30 (221) 93-99 doi:10.1180/minmag.1953.030.221.02
Finney, J. J., Rao, N. Nagaraja (1967) The crystal structure of cheralite. American Mineralogist, 52 (1-2) 13-19
Bowles, J. F. W., Jobbins, E. A., Young, B. R. (1980) A re-examination of cheralite. Mineralogical Magazine, 43 (331) 885-888 doi:10.1180/minmag.1980.043.331.11
Rose, D. (1980) Brabantite, a new mineral of the monazite group. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Monatshefte, 1980. 247-257(as brebantite)
Linthout, K. (2007) Tripartite division of the system 2REEPO4 – CaTh(PO4)2– 2ThSiO4, discreditation of brabantite, and recognition of cheralite as the name for members dominated by CaTh(PO4)2. The Canadian Mineralogist, 45 (3). 503-508 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.45.3.503
Localities for Cheralite
Showing 118 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.
Argentina | |
| Bardelli et al. (2018) |
| M. B. FRANCHINI et al. (8300) +6 other references |
| NUEVOS DATOS MINERALOGICOS DEL PROSPECTO DE ETRL (Nb) | |
Australia | |
| www.ga.gov.au (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Mills et al. (2008) +1 other reference |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2010) |
| Kolitsch (2017) |
| Kolitsch (2025) |
| Knobloch et al. (2021) |
| Taucher (1998) +1 other reference |
| Horninger (1936) +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Santos et al. (2018) |
| Waber (1991) |
| Baretto & Fujimori (1986) +1 other reference |
| Gomes et al. (2023) | |
| de Melo et al. (2019) |
Canada | |
| Jennifer Pell (1994) |
| Taseko |
Chile | |
| Alarcón Novoa (2019) |
China | |
| Lin et al. (1995) |
| Wang Xianjue (1978) +1 other reference |
| Dai et al. (2015) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| René (2018) |
| Scharm +7 other references |
| Chládek (2011) |
| Novák | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
| Krmíček et al. (2012) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
| Černý P. |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
| www.cseg.ca/conferences/2000/556.PDF. +1 other reference | |
Egypt | |
| Saleh et al. (2026) |
| Abed et al. (2022) | |
| Kamar et al. (2022, August) |
Europe | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
Finland | |
| Vartiainen (1980) |
| Al-Ani et al. (2009) | |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
| Al-Ani et al. (2018) |
Germany | |
| Habel (2011) |
| Dill et al. (2008) |
| Schnorrer et al. (2003) |
| Blaß et al. (2005) |
| Witzke (2011) |
Greece | |
| Uwe Kolitsch (SEM-EDS analyses, to be published) |
| www.researchgate.net (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Hungary | |
| Harangi et al. (1993) +5 other references |
| Balassa et al. (2026) |
| Kohút et al. (2019) |
| Szakáll & Gatter |
| Szakáll et al. (2006) |
India (TL) | |
| Bowie et al. (1953) |
Italy | |
| Fedele L. et al. (2006) |
| Bellatreccia et al. (1999) |
| Guastoni et al. (2007) +2 other references |
| Biagioni et al. (2013) |
| Orlandi (1997) +2 other references | |
Japan | |
| Professor Seiichiro Uehara |
Laos | |
| Sutherland et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
Madagascar | |
| Sammer (2020) +1 other reference |
| Rakotondrazafy et al. (2008) |
Morocco | |
| Bea et al. (2013) |
| Malainine et al. (2025) |
| Khadem Allah (1993) |
Mozambique | |
| Moiana (2010) |
| Moiana (2010) | |
| Moiana (2010) | |
| Moiana (2010) | |
Namibia (TL) | |
| Rose (1980) |
Norway | |
| Kvamsdal et al. (2021) |
| Nordrum (2010) |
| Selbekk et al. (2009) |
| Grønlie et al. (1969) |
Poland | |
| SZUSZKIEWICZ et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| Matyszczak (2018) |
| Kozłowski et al. (2016) | |
| Pieczka et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| Budzyń et al. (2015) |
| Kucha et al. (1980) +1 other reference |
Romania | |
| Paulina Hîrtopanu et al. (2017) |
| Hirtopanu et al. (2000) |
| Hirtopanu et al. (2013) |
| HÎRTOPANU et al. (2014) |
Russia | |
| Bea et al. (2001) |
| Igor.V. Pekov (2008) |
Slovakia | |
| Ondrejka et al. (2020) |
| Chudík et al. (2009) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross & Dixon (1995) |
| Harmer et al. (2016) |
South Korea | |
| Jo et al. (2023) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
Turkey | |
| Tunc et al. (2025) |
Ukraine | |
| Poliakovska et al. (2023) |
| Dubyna O.V. et al. (2020) |
| Gurov et al. (2015) |
| Kurylo et al. (2024) |
USA | |
| Trela et al. (2024) +1 other reference |
| Rebecca A. Simmons (2009) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Färber (n.d.) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Rocks and Minerals (1987) |
| Hanson et al. (1999) | |
| Minerals of the Stettin pluton et al. (2) | |
| Min. News 15 (5) |
| Dave Harris (location specified by dealer) +1 other reference |
| Van Rythoven et al. (2020) |
Quick NavTopAbout CheraliteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Mount Malosa, Zomba, Southern Region, Malawi