Monazite-(Ce)

A single, off-matrix tabular crystal of Monazite-(Ce) from the Sahatany Valley in Madagascar; most probably from the famous Manjaka pegmatite.  The crystal is mid-chocolate-brown with a generally matt to very slight satin lustre and is mounted vertically on a small clear acrylic base.  At this locality, such Monazite-(Ce) crystals are found in the miarolitic cavities of Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites.