CeriteCe

ceriteCe is a fictional mineral species in the cerite group defined by the dominance of cerium in its rare-earth constituents. It is described as a cerite-end member that forms in late-stage hydrothermal fluids associated with granitic rocks. The idealized chemistry centers on cerium as the principal rare-earth cation, with subordinate amounts of lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium, and a phosphate-rich anion framework. The mineral may include traces of calcium, fluorine, and hydroxide.

Crystal chemistry and structure: CeriteCe crystallizes in a monoclinic system; common habit is prismatic crystals up to several centimeters, with tabular forms reported. The mineral has a vitreous luster and a pale to medium yellow-brown color; transparency ranges from transparent to translucent. On the Mohs scale, it would rate around 5 to 6. Specific gravity is estimated around 5.8–6.2.

Occurrence and environment: In the imaginary literature, ceriteCe is reported from pegmatitic pockets and hydrothermal veins within granitic suites. It is typically found with other rare-earth minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and apatite, and may accompany fluorite and allanite.

Name and classification: The name ceriteCe reflects its cerium-rich composition and the convention of using the suffix -ite for mineral species. It would be placed within the cerite group as a cerium-dominated member and would be distinguished by REE patterns and phosphate-rich chemistry.

Uses and significance: As a hypothetical mineral, ceriteCe is not currently mined. Its presence would be of interest in REE resource assessments and could contribute to discussions of cerium supply in future exploration scenarios.

See also: cerite, rare-earth minerals, monazite, xenotime.