Davidite-(La) is a rare complex titanium-oxide mineral often found as dark, opaque, massive grains in pegmatitic environments. It is highly valued by collectors for its rare earth element content and its notable radioactivity. It is primarily identified in the field by its high density and association with other radioactive accessory minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareDavidite Group family

Davidite-(La)

Hardness: 6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this davidite-(la)?

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 davidite-(la) with a known reference. Davidite-(La) sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Davidite-(La) leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Davidite-(La) typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains, rarely tabular rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Davidite-(La) and metallic on Magnetite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Davidite-(La) leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Davidite-(La) and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside davidite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (La,Ce,Ca)(Y,U)(Ti,Fe³⁺)₂₀O₃₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains, Rarely Tabular Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and radioactivity levels

Where rockhounds find davidite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Radium Hill, Australia
Mount Painter, Australia
Iveland, Norway
Tete, Mozambique

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where davidite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains, rarely tabular rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify davidite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is davidite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Radium Hill, Australia; Mount Painter, Australia; Iveland, Norway; Tete, Mozambique.

How much is davidite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and radioactivity levels. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is davidite-(la) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains uranium and thorium; store in a lead-lined or secure container, minimize handling, and avoid creating dust or powders. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like davidite-(la)?+

Davidite-(La) is most often confused with Manaccanite, Magnetite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with davidite-(la)?+

Davidite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite, Rutile, Ilmenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does davidite-(la) form in?+

Davidite-(La) typically forms in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is davidite-(la) used for?+

Davidite-(La) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find davidite-(la) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.