Loparite-(Ce)

loparite-(Ce)

lorenxenite

ancylite

gadolinite

Images

Formula: (Na,Ce,Sr)(Ce,Th)(Ti,Nb)2O6
Simple oxide, perovskite subgroup
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 4.60 to 4.89 measured, 4.85 calculated
Hardness: 5½
Streak: Cinnamon-brown to brown
Colour: Black to greyish black
Environments:

Igneous environments
Pegmatites
Carbonatites

Loparite-(Ce) occurs as a primary mineral in differentiated nepheline syenite massifs and alkalic pegmatites, and it replaces perovskite in carbonatites (Webmin, HOM). Associated minerals include nepheline, microcline, aegirine, rare-earth-bearing apatite, arfvedsonite, perovskite, ilmenite, eudialyte, titanite and lamprophyllite (HOM).

Localities

At Lågendalen, Hedrum, Larvik, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway, loparite-(Ce) occurs sparsely in syenite pegmatites. It is an early crystallised mineral occurring as dark brown interpenetration twins up to 10 mm across; loparite-(Ce) from this locality is metamict (JWW p155).
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At the type locality, Maly Mannepakhk Mountain, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia, loparite-(Ce) is associated with nepheline, microcline, aegirine, apatite, arfvedsonite, perovskite, ilmenite, eudialyte, titanite and lamprophyllite (Mindat).
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