Dissakisite-(Ce) is a rare mineral of the epidote group that replaces iron with magnesium in its structure. It typically occurs as dark brown to black prismatic crystals or massive aggregates within metamorphic environments like skarns and high-grade gneiss. It is highly valued by mineralogists for its unique chemistry but can be difficult to distinguish from allanite without specialized analytical equipment.
Is this dissakisite-(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 dissakisite-(ce) with a known reference. Dissakisite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dissakisite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dissakisite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Dissakisite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dissakisite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with dissakisite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- {Ca,Ce}{Al,Mg,Fe²⁺}Al₂Si₃O₁₂OH
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Skarns, Gneiss
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find dissakisite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Grenzland, Austria
- Bamble, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- San Jacinto Mountains, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, skarns, gneiss country — that is the host setting where dissakisite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, diopside, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dissakisite-(ce)?+
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How much is dissakisite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like dissakisite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with dissakisite-(ce)?+
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Find dissakisite-(ce) on the map
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