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.

Hardness
3
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

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

Common questions

How do you identify deveroite-(ce)?+
Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale yellow, white, colorless.
Where is deveroite-(ce) found?+
Notable localities include Alpe Devero, Italy.
How much is deveroite-(ce) worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like deveroite-(ce)?+
Deveroite-(Ce) is most often confused with Whewellite, Weddellite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with deveroite-(ce)?+
Deveroite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Synchysite-(Ce), Anatase. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does deveroite-(ce) form in?+
Deveroite-(Ce) typically forms in hydrothermal veins in gneiss. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is deveroite-(ce) used for?+
Deveroite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find deveroite-(ce) on the map

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