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 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: 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
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 2.352 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, granular aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Precipitated from meteoric waters enriched with oxalic acid likely derived from incomplete oxidation of decaying plant remains (in this case crusty lichens)
Where rockhounds find deveroite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Cervandone, Devero Valley, Western-Central Alps, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Precipitated from meteoric waters enriched with oxalic acid likely derived from incomplete oxidation of decaying plant remains (in this case crusty lichens). If you start seeing cervandonite-, agardite-, asbecasite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify deveroite-(ce)?+
Where is deveroite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like deveroite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with deveroite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does deveroite-(ce) form in?+
What is deveroite-(ce) used for?+
Find deveroite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
