Davidite-(Ce) is a rare complex titanium-oxide mineral known for its high content of rare-earth elements and uranium. It is typically identified by its opaque, black submetallic appearance and its distinct radioactivity in field tests. Collectors usually find it in granitic pegmatites or specialized hydrothermal vein deposits.
Is this davidite-(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 davidite-(ce) with a known reference. Davidite-(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: black to very dark gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, brownish black, red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: metamict, pyramidal, tabular.
Often confused with
Davidite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Davidite-(Ce) and metallic to submetallic on Ilmenite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Davidite-(Ce) and metallic to submetallic, may be dull on Magnetite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Davidite-(Ce) leaves black to very dark gray, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown; luster reads vitreous on Davidite-(Ce) and metallic or submetallic to dull on Hematite.
Often found alongside davidite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with davidite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ce(Y,U)Fe₂(Ti,Fe,Cr,V)₁₈(O,OH,F)₃₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.29 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black to very dark gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque, translucent in very thin fragments
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Metamict, pyramidal, tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a pegmatite dike, rich in rare-earth minerals, in granite
Where rockhounds find davidite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Tuftane, Iveland, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a pegmatite dike, rich in rare-earth minerals, in granite. If you start seeing ilmenite, rutile, gadolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: metamict, pyramidal, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify davidite-(ce)?+
Where is davidite-(ce) found?+
Is davidite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like davidite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with davidite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does davidite-(ce) form in?+
What is davidite-(ce) used for?+
Find davidite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
