Christofschäferite-(Ce) is a rare cerium lanthanum calcium silicate that forms black stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains. It is a metasomatic reaction product between Mn-rich rock and alkali basalt, found in a volcanic ejectum. It was first described from Wingertsbergwand (Wingertsberg Mt.) of the Laacher See volcano near Mendig, Eifel Mountains, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany.
Is this christofschäferite-(ce)?
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 christofschäferite-(ce) with a known reference. Christofschäferite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains.
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
- (Ce,La,Ca)₄Mn(Ti,Fe)₃(Fe,Ti)(Si₂O₇)₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains
- Cleavage
- None observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A metasomatic reaction product between Mn-rich rock and alkali basalt, found in a volcanic ejectum
Where rockhounds find christofschäferite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Wingertsbergwand (Wingertsberg Mt.) of the Laacher See volcano near Mendig, Eifel Mountains, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A metasomatic reaction product between Mn-rich rock and alkali basalt, found in a volcanic ejectum. If you start seeing orthoclase, rhodonite, bustamite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify christofschäferite-(ce)?+
Where is christofschäferite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like christofschäferite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with christofschäferite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does christofschäferite-(ce) form in?+
What is christofschäferite-(ce) used for?+
Find christofschäferite-(ce) on the map
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