Dollaseite-(Ce) is a rare member of the epidote group, typically occurring as prismatic or tabular crystals in magnesium-rich skarn environments. Collectors should look for its distinct brownish coloration and close association with calcium-silicate minerals in contact metamorphic zones.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEpidote Group family

Dollaseite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this dollaseite-(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 dollaseite-(ce) with a known reference. Dollaseite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dollaseite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dollaseite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Dollaseite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Dollaseite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

Compare →

Often found alongside dollaseite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCeMgAlFe²⁺Si₃O₁₂OH
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Reddish-brown Dark Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits and Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find dollaseite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
USA
Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits and carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where dollaseite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dollaseite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, reddish-brown, dark brown.

Where is dollaseite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; USA; Japan.

How much is dollaseite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dollaseite-(ce)?+

Dollaseite-(Ce) is most often confused with Epidote, Clinozoisite, Allanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dollaseite-(ce)?+

Dollaseite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with calcite, diopside, garnet, magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dollaseite-(ce) form in?+

Dollaseite-(Ce) typically forms in skarn deposits and carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dollaseite-(ce) used for?+

Dollaseite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find dollaseite-(ce) on the map

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