Christofschäferite-(Ce) is a rare phosphate mineral discovered within the volcanic ejecta of the Eifel region. It typically occurs as minute, yellowish-brown prismatic crystals associated with other rare volcanic minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Christofschäferite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this christofschäferite-(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 christofschäferite-(ce) with a known reference. Christofschäferite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Christofschäferite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Christofschäferite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside christofschäferite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₂Ce(PO₄)F₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Ejecta
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find christofschäferite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Eifel volcanic field, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where christofschäferite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, augite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify christofschäferite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is christofschäferite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Eifel volcanic field, Germany.

How much is christofschäferite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like christofschäferite-(ce)?+

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

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

Christofschäferite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Sanidine, Augite, Magnetite, Fluorapatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Christofschäferite-(Ce) typically forms in volcanic ejecta. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is christofschäferite-(ce) used for?+

Christofschäferite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find christofschäferite-(ce) on the map

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