Deveroite-(Ce) is a rare rare-earth oxalate mineral found in hydrothermal environments. Collectors typically encounter it as small, fragile platy crystals associated with other REE-bearing minerals in alpine-type veins.
Is this deveroite-(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 deveroite-(ce) with a known reference. Deveroite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Deveroite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Deveroite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Deveroite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside deveroite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with deveroite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Gneiss
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity
Where rockhounds find deveroite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Alpe Devero, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in gneiss country — that is the host setting where deveroite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, synchysite-(ce), anatase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.





