Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) is a rare secondary mineral belonging to the florencite group, typically occurring as small rhombohedral crystals. It is primarily identified by its characteristic association with arsenic-rich environments in hydrothermally altered host rocks.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareFlorencite Group family

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this arsenoflorencite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch arsenoflorencite-(ce) with a known reference. Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: subhedral crystals.

Often confused with

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Gorceixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside arsenoflorencite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenoflorencite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CeAl₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.096 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Subhedral crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As detrital grains in heavy mineral concentrates

Where rockhounds find arsenoflorencite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Vicinity of Kimba, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, and from the Northern Territory–Queensland border near the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As detrital grains in heavy mineral concentrates. If you start seeing alunite, florencite-, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: subhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arsenoflorencite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale brown, colorless.

Where is arsenoflorencite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Vicinity of Kimba, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, and from the Northern Territory–Queensland border near the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia.

Is arsenoflorencite-(ce) safe to handle?+

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens.

What rocks look like arsenoflorencite-(ce)?+

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) is most often confused with Gorceixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arsenoflorencite-(ce)?+

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Alunite, Florencite-, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does arsenoflorencite-(ce) form in?+

Where it forms: As detrital grains in heavy mineral concentrates. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arsenoflorencite-(ce) used for?+

Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find arsenoflorencite-(ce) on the map

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