Elramlyite-(Ce)

Chemical formula: (&#₉₇₄₄;₀.₆₇Ce₃+₀.₃₃₃₃)Th₄+₂(PO₄)₂F₃

Elramlyite-(Ce) is a newly discovered (2025), strongly radioactive thorium and cerium phosphate-fluoride mineral, known so far exclusively from a single locality in Egypt.

## Characteristics Elramlyite-(Ce) is an extremely rare phosphate mineral containing thorium, cerium, and fluorine in its structure. It was approved as a new mineral species in 2025. It forms specimens that are white, colorless to pale yellowish-brown. Due to the high thorium content in its crystal lattice, it is a strongly radioactive mineral, requiring special precautions during research and storage. ## Physical properties This mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of only 2 to 3. It is characterized by a very high density of 5.96 g/cm³, which is typical for minerals rich in heavy elements such as thorium. It is translucent and leaves a white streak. No fracture was observed during testing. ## Colors and varieties It occurs in light shades: from completely colorless, through pure white, to pale yellowish-brown. As a newly discovered species, it has no known color varieties or trade names. ## History and name It was discovered and officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2025. The type locality from which the first specimens described in scientific literature originate is the Um Safi area in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity, microscopic amounts of material, and recent discovery, elramlyite-(Ce) currently has no industrial or gemstone applications. It is strictly an object of advanced scientific research in the fields of mineralogy and crystal chemistry.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 2-3
Color: white, colourless to pale yellowish-brown
Streak: white
Density: 5.96
Fracture: None observed
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Macroscopic field identification is practically impossible due to its rarity and inconspicuous appearance. A high radioactivity (resulting from the presence of thorium) combined with high density (5.96 g/cm³) and low hardness may serve as an initial clue. Advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical analysis (e.g., electron microprobe), are necessary for definitive species confirmation. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with many other rare phosphates and silicates of rare-earth elements and thorium (e.g., monazite, rhabdophane, thorite). Distinguishing it requires precise chemical analysis confirming the specific ratio of thorium, cerium, phosphorus, and fluorine in the crystal structure.

Geological environment

## Localities The only confirmed locality (type locality) is the Um Safi area in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. The specimens used to describe this new mineral species originated from this location.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a newly discovered (2025) and extremely rare mineral, every analytically confirmed specimen holds immense scientific value. For collectors specializing in mineral systematics and radioactive minerals, the mere fact of owning a documented fragment from the type locality defines its uniqueness. ## Popular localities The only known specimens originate from the type locality at Um Safi in Egypt. This mineral is currently not available on the general collector market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its low hardness (2-3 on the Mohs scale), specimens should be cleaned using only a soft brush or compressed air. Mechanical methods and ultrasonic cleaners, which could destroy the delicate material, must be strictly avoided. ## What to avoid Avoid exposing the mineral to acids and mechanical damage. Due to the thorium content and resulting radioactivity, inhaling dust generated during any crushing, cutting, or preparation of specimens must be strictly avoided. ## Storage Because the mineral contains thorium and is strongly radioactive, specimens must be stored in appropriately shielded containers (e.g., lead or thick acrylic glass) in well-ventilated areas. Direct exposure time should be limited, and storage in living quarters should be avoided. Hands should be washed thoroughly after any contact with the specimen.

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External references

https://www.mindat.org/min-499344.html