Aeschynite-(Ce)
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Formula:
(Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6
System:
Orthorhombic
Colour:
Black, brown, light ...
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
5 - 6
Member of:
Name:
From the Greek αισχύνη ("aeschyne") for "shame", alluding to the fact that early chemists had difficulty with separations of titanium from zirconium in some samples, and the dominant lanthanide element in the composition.
First found by J.N. Menge in 1825 at the Gadolinite Pit (Pits nr. 75-76), Ilmen, Ural, Russia. He first thought it was gadolinite, but later the material was analyzed by Victor Hartwall at the laboratory of the Swedish Chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius and recognized as a new mineral. Berzelius gave it first the name "zirconia titanate", later aeschynite (Berzelius 1830). Renamed "aeschynite-(Ce)" after applying Levinson’s nomenclature (1966).
First found by J.N. Menge in 1825 at the Gadolinite Pit (Pits nr. 75-76), Ilmen, Ural, Russia. He first thought it was gadolinite, but later the material was analyzed by Victor Hartwall at the laboratory of the Swedish Chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius and recognized as a new mineral. Berzelius gave it first the name "zirconia titanate", later aeschynite (Berzelius 1830). Renamed "aeschynite-(Ce)" after applying Levinson’s nomenclature (1966).
The cerium analogue of aeschynite-(Y) and the titanium analogue of nioboaeschynite-(Ce). Commonly metamict.
Classification of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Notes:
Renamed by the IMA
Approval History:
Renamed by IMA 1987 (special procedure) as aeschynite-(Ce).
4/D.21-20
4.DF.05
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
F : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; dimers and trimers of edgesharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
F : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; dimers and trimers of edgesharing octahedra
8.3.6.1
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
18.2.13
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
Physical Properties of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Resinous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
Diaphaneity (Transparency):
Translucent
Comment:
dull when altered
Colour:
Black, brown, light brown to yellow
Comment:
reddish brown to light brown in transmitted light.
Streak:
Nearly black to brown
Hardness (Mohs):
5 - 6
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Imperfect/Fair
on {100}, interrupted
on {100}, interrupted
Parting:
parallel to {010} when nonmetamict
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
5.19 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.617 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Chemical Properties of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Formula:
(Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6
Elements listed in formula:
Analytical Data:
Results of the analysis of a sample from Hidra island, Norway
Nb2O5 (23.85) Ta2O5 (6.97) TiO2 (22.60) ThO2 (15.42) (Y,Er)2O3 (4.53) Ce2O3 (19.50) FeO (4.28) CaO (2.52) sum 99.67 wt.-%
Common Impurities:
REE,Sn
Crystallography of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pmna
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.538 Å, b = 10.958 Å, c = 5.396 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.688 : 1 : 0.492
Unit Cell Volume:
V 445.72 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals are prismatic, parallel to [001], also tabular on {010} and striated on {010} parallel to [100]
X-Ray Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.037 | (25) |
| 2.698 | (30) |
| 2.975 | (100) |
| 3.024 | (80) |
| 3.106 | (35) |
| 4.431 | (25) |
| 5.48 | (25) |
| ( |
Comments:
Recorded on synthetic CeTiNbO6.
Occurrences of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Type Occurrence of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Relationship of Aeschynite-(Ce) to other Species
Series:
Member of:
Other Members of Group:
| Aeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ln,Ca)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| Aeschynite-(Y) | (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| Nioboaeschynite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca)(Nb,Ti)2(O,OH)6 |
| Nioboaeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Ca,Th)(Nb,Ti,Fe,Ta)2(O,OH)6 |
| Nioboaeschynite-(Y) | (Y,REE,Ca,Th,Fe)(Nb,Ti,Ta)2(O,OH)6 |
| Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 |
| Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Ti,Nb)2O6 |
| Vigezzite | (Ca,Ce)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 |
Common Associates:
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ln,Ca)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Y) | (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Nioboaeschynite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca)(Nb,Ti)2(O,OH)6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Nioboaeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Ca,Th)(Nb,Ti,Fe,Ta)2(O,OH)6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Nioboaeschynite-(Y) | (Y,REE,Ca,Th,Fe)(Nb,Ti,Ta)2(O,OH)6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Ti,Nb)2O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Vigezzite | (Ca,Ce)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 |
| 4.DF.10 | Changbaiite | PbNb2O6 |
| 4.DF.15 | Murataite-(Y) | (Y,Na)6Zn(Zn,Fe3+)4(Ti,Nb,Na)12O29(O,F,OH)10F4 |
| 18.2.1 | Fergusonite-(Y) | YNbO4 |
| 18.2.2 | Fergusonite-(Y)-β | YNbO4 |
| 18.2.3 | Fergusonite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Nd)NbO4 |
| 18.2.4 | Fergusonite-(Ce)-β | (Ce,La,Nd)NbO4 |
| 18.2.5 | Fergusonite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce)(Nb,Ti)O4 |
| 18.2.6 | Fergusonite-(Nd)-β | (Nd,Ce)NbO4 |
| 18.2.7 | Formanite-(Y) | YTaO4 |
| 18.2.8 | Pyrochlore Group | A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z |
| 18.2.9 | Ceriopyrochlore (of Hogarth 1977) | A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z |
| 18.2.10 | Strontiopyrochlore (of Hogarth 1977) | A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z |
| 18.2.11 | Loparite-(Ce) | (Na,REE)Ti2O6 |
| 18.2.12 | Fersmite | (Ca,Ce,Na)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2(O,OH,F)6 |
| 18.2.14 | Aeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ln,Ca)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| 18.2.15 | Aeschynite-(Y) | (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 |
| 18.2.16 | Nioboaeschynite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca)(Nb,Ti)2(O,OH)6 |
| 18.2.17 | Nioboaeschynite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Ca,Th)(Nb,Ti,Fe,Ta)2(O,OH)6 |
| 18.2.18 | Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Ti,Nb)2O6 |
| 18.2.19 | Vigezzite | (Ca,Ce)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 |
| 18.2.20 | Murataite-(Y) | (Y,Na)6Zn(Zn,Fe3+)4(Ti,Nb,Na)12O29(O,F,OH)10F4 |
Other Names for Aeschynite-(Ce)
Name in Other Languages:
German:Aeschynit-(Ce)
Italian:Aeschynite-(Ce)
Russian:Эшинит-(Ce)
Simplified Chinese:铈易解石
Spanish:Eschinita-(Ce)
Other Information
Other Information:
radioactive, magnetic
Health Risks:
Contains thorium - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest. Avoid prolonged exposure in proximity of the body. Store away from inhabited areas.
References for Aeschynite-(Ce)
Reference List:
Berzelius, J. (1830) Mineralogie: Aeschynit. Jahres-Bericht über die Fortschritte der Physischen Wissenschaften: 9: 182-209
Palache, C., Berman, H., Frondel, C. (1944) Dana's system of mineralogy, 7th ed., Vol. 1, 793-797.
Vlasov, K.A., Ed. (1966) Mineralogy of rare elements, Vol. 2, 489-496 .
Aleksandrov, V. B. (1962) The crystal structure of aeschynite. Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR: 142: 181-184
Fleischer, M. (1966) Rare earths in the aeschynite-priorite series. The status of lyndochite. Mineralogical Magazine: 35: 801-809.
Ewing, R.C. (1976) A numerical approach toward the classification of complex, orthorhombic, rare-earth, AB2O6-type Nb-Ta-Ti oxides. The Canadian Mineralogist: 14: 111-119.
Anthony, J. W. et al. (1997) Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. 3, 3.
Pekov, I. (1998) Minerals First discovered on the territory of the former Soviet Union 369p. Ocean Pictures, Moscow [p. 19-20]
Palache, C., Berman, H., Frondel, C. (1944) Dana's system of mineralogy, 7th ed., Vol. 1, 793-797.
Vlasov, K.A., Ed. (1966) Mineralogy of rare elements, Vol. 2, 489-496 .
Aleksandrov, V. B. (1962) The crystal structure of aeschynite. Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR: 142: 181-184
Fleischer, M. (1966) Rare earths in the aeschynite-priorite series. The status of lyndochite. Mineralogical Magazine: 35: 801-809.
Ewing, R.C. (1976) A numerical approach toward the classification of complex, orthorhombic, rare-earth, AB2O6-type Nb-Ta-Ti oxides. The Canadian Mineralogist: 14: 111-119.
Anthony, J. W. et al. (1997) Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. 3, 3.
Pekov, I. (1998) Minerals First discovered on the territory of the former Soviet Union 369p. Ocean Pictures, Moscow [p. 19-20]
Internet Links for Aeschynite-(Ce)
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https://www.mindat.org/min-37.html
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
Localities for Aeschynite-(Ce)
This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the 
symbol to view information about a locality.
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(TL) indicates type locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) indicates first recorded locality for everything else. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
Austria | |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| R. O. Meyer collection |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) | |
Canada | |
| GSC locality database |
| ontariominerals.com |
China | |
| Zhang Peishan, Yang Zhuming, Tao Kejie, and Yang Xueming (1996): "Mineralogy and Geology of Rare Earths in China", Science Press (Beijing), 226 pp. |
| Zhuming Yang, Rengui Song, Kejie Tao, and Peishan Zhang (2003): Journal of the Chinese Rare Earth Society 21(6), 716-720 |
Czech Republic | |
| Chládek Š., Zimák J.(2016): Asociace Nb-Ta-(Ti-REE) oxidických minerálů v pegmatitu Maršíkov - Lysá hora v Hrubém Jeseníku, Česká republika. Bulletin mineralogicko-petrologického oddělení Národního muzea v Praze 24, 1: 25-31. |
| Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)] |
| Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)] | |
| Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)] | |
France | |
| MONCHOUX P., FONTAN F., DE PARSEVAL P., MARTIN R. F., WANG R. C. (2006) - Igneous albitite dikes in orogenic lherzolithes, Western Pyrénées, France: A possible source for corundum and alkali feldspar xenocrysts in basaltic terranes. I. Mineralogical Asssociations. The Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 44, pp. 817-842. |
| MONCHOUX P., FONTAN F., DE PARSEVAL P., MARTIN R. F., WANG R. C. (2006) - Igneous albitite dikes in orogenic lherzolithes, Western Pyrénées, France: A possible source for corundum and alkali feldspar xenocrysts in basaltic terranes. I. Mineralogical Asssociations. The Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 44, pp. 817-842. | |
Germany | |
| Blass, G., Emmerich, F., Graf, HW., Schäfer, Ch., Tschörtner, J., (2006): Minerale der Eifelvulkane, Version 1.0, CD, published by authors |
| Blass, G., Emmerich, F., Graf, HW., Schäfer, Ch., Tschörtner, J., (2006): Minerale der Eifelvulkane, Version 1.0, CD, published by authors |
| Blass, G., Emmerich, F., Graf, HW., Tschörtner, J., Minerale der Eifelvulkane, CD, published by authors, 2006 | |
| Blass, G., Emmerich, F., Graf, HW., Tschörtner, J., Minerale der Eifelvulkane, CD, published by authors, 2006 |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", 2001 |
Italy | |
| Giere, R. & Williams, C.T. (1992) |
Kazakhstan | |
| no reference |
Mongolia | |
| P.M. Kartashov data |
Namibia | |
| Irene M. Abraham (2009): Geology and spatial distribution of uranium mineralisation in the SK anomaly area, Rossing area, Namibia, Master thesis University of the Witwatersrand. |
Norway | |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| Nordrum, F.S. (2001): Noen funn av mineraler i Norge 2000-2001, part II. STEIN 28 (3): 16- 24 |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov data |
| www.koeln.netsurf.de/~w.steffens/khib.htm |
| Shlyukova Z.V. (1986) Mineralogy of contact formations of Khibina massif, - Moscow, Nauka, p. 96 (in Rus.) |
| www.koeln.netsurf.de/~w.steffens/lovo.htm | |
| P.M. Kartashov data |
| Berzelius, J. (1830) Mineralogie: Aeschynit. Jahres-Bericht über die Fortschritte der Physischen Wissenschaften: 9: 182-209; Pekov, I. (1998) Minerals First discovered on the territory of the former Soviet Union 369p. Ocean Pictures, Moscow |
| Handbook of Mineralogy | |
| The Canadian Mineralogist Vol. 39, pp. 1095-1104 (2001) | |
| Handbook of Mineralogy | |
| Handbook of Mineralogy | |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k |
South Korea | |
| P.M. Kartashov data |
Sweden | |
| Sandström, F., Binett, T., Wiklund, C. & Vikström, J. (2010): Alnöområdets geologi och mineralogi. Litiofilen. 27 (2):14-42 |
Switzerland | |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
USA | |
| Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.; USGS Open-File Report 80-661 |
| Ream, Lanny L. 2004. Idaho Minerals, 2nd edition, Revised and Updated |
| J. W. Anthony et al.: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III (1997) |
| W.E,Hidden.,1882, Notes on some North Carolina Minerals,Jahrb.f.Min,1883,Vo.2,Ref,148-149,America Journal Of Science,1882,Vol.24,pg.372-374 |
| Warner,Julie K.,and Ewing,Rodney C.,(1993) Crystal Chemistry Of Samarskite,American Mineralogist,Vol.78,pg.419-424,Table #2.Specimen #131,G.Lumkin,University of New Mexico |
Ilmen Mts, Chelyabinsk Oblast', Southern Urals, Urals Region, Russia