Aeschynite-(Ce)
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Aeschynite-(Ce)
Formula:
Ce(TiNb)O6
Previously given as (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Colour:
Black, brown, light brown to yellow
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
5 - 6
Specific Gravity:
5.19
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
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 nos. 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 nos. 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).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
37
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:37:2
IMA Classification of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
Approval history:
Renamed by IMA 1987 (special procedure) as aeschynite-(Ce).
Classification of Aeschynite-(Ce)
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aes-Ce | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Aes | 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 Aeschynite-(Ce)
Resinous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
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:
5 - 6 on Mohs scale
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)
Chemistry of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Mindat Formula:
Ce(TiNb)O6
Previously given as (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Previously given as (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
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 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
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.037 Å | (25) |
| 2.698 Å | (30) |
| 2.975 Å | (100) |
| 3.024 Å | (80) |
| 3.106 Å | (35) |
| 4.431 Å | (25) |
| 5.48 Å | (25) |
Locality:
Comments:
Recorded on synthetic CeTiNbO6.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4a: Earth’s earliest continental crust | >4.4-3.0 |
| 19 : Granitic intrusive rocks | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks |
Geological Setting:
In nepheline syenite and alkali syenite massifs, in granite pegmatites, in carbonatites in alkalic rocks, as a detrital mineral in placers.
Type Occurrence of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Synonyms of Aeschynite-(Ce)
Aeschynite (in part)
Other Language Names for Aeschynite-(Ce)
Dutch:Aeschyniet-(Ce)
French:Aeschynite-(Ce)
German:Aeschynit-(Ce)
Italian:Aeschynite-(Ce)
Norwegian:Æschynitt-(Ce)
Russian:Эшинит-(Ce)
Simplified Chinese:铈易解石
Spanish:Eschinita-(Ce)
Varieties of Aeschynite-(Ce)
| Alumolyndochite | An aluminum-rich variety of "Lyndochite" [Aeschynite-(Ce)]. |
| Calciolyndochite | A Ca-rich variety of Lyndochite [Aeschynite-(Ce)]. |
Relationship of Aeschynite-(Ce) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Aeschynite Group:
| Aeschynite-(Nd) | Nd(TiNb)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Aeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiNb)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmna |
| Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Tantalaeschynite-(Ce) | Ce(TiTa)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
| Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiTa)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| UM2001-09-O:CaNbREESiTiY | (Ca,Y,REE)(Ti,Nb,Si)2(O,OH)6 | |
| Vigezzite | CaNb2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Aeschynite-(Ce) associated with Monazite-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) |
| 2 photos of Aeschynite-(Ce) associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 2 photos of Aeschynite-(Ce) associated with Phlogopite | KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Aeschynite-(Ce) associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 1 photo of Aeschynite-(Ce) associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Nd) | Nd(TiNb)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiNb)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiTa)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Vigezzite | CaNb2O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 |
| 4.DF.10 | Changbaiite | PbNb2O6 |
| 4.DF.15 | Murataite-(Y) | (Y,Na)6Zn(Zn,Fe3+)4(Ti,Nb,Na)12O29(O,F,OH)10F4 |
Other Information
Notes:
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.
Internet Links for Aeschynite-(Ce)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-37.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Aeschynite-(Ce)
Localities for Aeschynite-(Ce)
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.
Australia | |
| Downes et al. (2014) |
Austria | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| R.O. Meyer collection |
| Anthony et al. (1997) | |
Canada | |
| |
| |
| GSC locality database |
| ontariominerals.com |
China | |
| |
| Zhang Peishan et al. (1996) |
| Bai et al. (1985) +1 other reference |
| Zhuming Yang et al. (2003) +4 other references |
| Liu et al. (2022) | |
| Yang et al. (2006) |
Czech Republic | |
| Chládek Š. (2016) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
Finland | |
| |
France | |
| MONCHOUX P. et al. (2006) |
| MONCHOUX P. et al. (2006) | |
Germany | |
| Blass et al. (2006) |
| Blass | |
| Blass |
| Blass et al. (2006) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Wittern (2001) |
India | |
| Xu et al. (2018) |
Italy | |
| Gieré et al. (1992) |
Kazakhstan | |
| |
Mexico | |
| Wittmann A (2022) |
Mongolia | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +2 other references |
Namibia | |
| Irene M. Abraham (2009) |
North Korea | |
Norway | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Nordrum (2001) |
Poland | |
| Kozłowski et al. (2016) |
Russia (TL) | |
| Berzelius (1830) +1 other reference |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| webmineral.ru (2021) |
| webmineral.ru (2020) +1 other reference |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| The Canadian Mineralogist Vol. 39 (2001) | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| webmineral.ru (2016) | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| |
| ... |
| Shlyukova Z.V. (1986) |
| ... | |
| |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra (1986) |
South Korea | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Spain | |
| Ковальчук et al. (2014) |
Sweden | |
| Sandström et al. (2010) |
Switzerland | |
| Guastoni et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
USA | |
| USGS Open-File Report 80-661 +1 other reference |
| Ream (2004) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| |
| W.E |
| Warner et al. (1993) | |
| Elliott (2018) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout Aeschynite-(Ce)Unique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesVarietiesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Ilmen Nature Reserve, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia