Heamanite-(Ce)

Chemical formula: (K₀.₅Ce³⁺₀.₅)Ti⁴⁺O₃

Heamanite-(Ce) is a very rare oxide mineral of the perovskite group, discovered in the Canadian Gahcho Kué diamond mine.

## Characteristics Heamanite-(Ce) is a very rare mineral of the perovskite group, identified only in 2009. It occurs as small, individual grains not exceeding several hundred micrometers in size, most often anhedral (not exhibiting external crystalline forms). Its typical specimens are brown and translucent. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, placing it in the same category as apatite. It has a density of 4.73 g/cm³, which is a relatively high value. It exhibits a conchoidal fracture. ## Colors and Varieties Heamanite-(Ce) is known exclusively in shades of brown. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral is named in honor of Canadian geochemist Larry Heaman from the University of Alberta, for his contributions to research on kimberlite and Earth's mantle geology. The "-(Ce)" suffix refers to the dominant rare earth element in its composition – cerium. The mineral was officially approved by the IMA in 2009 (IMA2009-063), and its discovery was made in material from the 5034 kimberlite in the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada. ## Applications Heamanite-(Ce) has no industrial applications. Its significance is purely scientific and collectible, although due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, it is practically unavailable on the market.

Properties

Mohs hardness
5.5
Density
4.73
Fracture
Conchoidal
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Isometric

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of heamanite-(Ce) is impossible without advanced analytical techniques, such as X-ray microanalysis (EDS/WDS) or electron diffraction. Under collecting or field conditions, identification is unfeasible due to the microscopic size and inconspicuous appearance of the grains. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other minerals of the perovskite group, such as loparite-(Ce) or perovskite itself, as well as with other brown accessory minerals in kimberlites. Differences can only be determined based on chemical composition analysis. ## Crystal Forms Heamanite-(Ce) forms anhedral (irregular) or subhedral (poorly formed) grains ranging from 20 to 200 micrometers in size. No well-formed crystals have been observed.

Geological environment

## Genesis Heamanite-(Ce) is a primary mineral, crystallizing in the late stage from kimberlitic magma. It forms under high pressure and temperature conditions, characteristic of the Earth's upper mantle, from where kimberlites are transported to the surface. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other minerals typical of kimberlites, such as olivine, ilmenite, pyrope, chromite, and also with other minerals from the perovskite group. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of heamanite-(Ce) in the world is its type locality – the 5034 kimberlite in the Gahcho Kué diamond mine, in the Lac de Gras region, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic nature, the only criterion for value is the confirmed presence of the mineral on a fragment of the host rock itself. Every specimen, even sub-millimeter, is extremely valuable from a scientific point of view. "Collectible" specimens practically do not exist in commercial trade. ## Popular Localities The only source of material is the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada. Specimens are not commercially available and are found exclusively in the collections of research institutions.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Heamanite-(Ce) specimens are typically microscopic and embedded in the host rock (kimberlite). They do not require cleaning, and it should not be attempted due to the risk of damage or loss of material. ## What to Avoid All mechanical cleaning methods (brushes, ultrasonics) and chemical cleaning should be avoided. The specimen should be protected from abrasion and contact with chemicals. ## Storage Storage in a specialized "micromount" box is the only recommended method. This protects the microscopic specimen from loss, dust, and mechanical damage.

External references

Sources

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