Aluminocerite-(CeCa) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the cerite group, typically found in skarn or metasomatic environments. Collectors usually identify it by its distinct reddish-brown color and vitreous luster, though it is often found in massive, non-descript forms rather than well-defined crystals.
Is this aluminocerite-(ceca)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aluminocerite-(ceca) with a known reference. Aluminocerite-(CeCa) sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aluminocerite-(CeCa) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aluminocerite-(CeCa) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, pinkish-brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular, massive, rare prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Aluminocerite-(CeCa) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aluminocerite-(CeCa) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Aluminocerite-(CeCa) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Aluminocerite-(CeCa) and resinous on Monazite.
Often found alongside aluminocerite-(ceca)
Minerals reported to co-occur with aluminocerite-(ceca). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca,Al)₉(SiO₄)₃(SiO₃OH)(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 4.86 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Rare Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits, Carbonatites, Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find aluminocerite-(ceca)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyshtym, Ural Mountains, Russia
- Bastnäs, Sweden
- Mountain Pass, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits, carbonatites, granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where aluminocerite-(ceca) typically forms. If you start seeing bästnaesite, tremolite, actinolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, rare prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aluminocerite-(ceca)?+
Where is aluminocerite-(ceca) found?+
How much is aluminocerite-(ceca) worth?+
Is aluminocerite-(ceca) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like aluminocerite-(ceca)?+
What minerals are found with aluminocerite-(ceca)?+
What kind of rock does aluminocerite-(ceca) form in?+
What is aluminocerite-(ceca) used for?+
Find aluminocerite-(ceca) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
