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.
Is this dollaseite-(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 dollaseite-(ce) with a known reference. Dollaseite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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, so Dollaseite-(Ce) leaves light brown, Epidote leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dollaseite-(Ce) leaves light brown, Clinozoisite leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dollaseite-(Ce) leaves light brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Dollaseite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
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
- CaCeMg₂Al(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)(OH)F
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In tactite replacement deposits developed during metamorphism of dolomitic limestone
Where rockhounds find dollaseite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ostanmossa mine, Norberg district, Sweden (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In tactite replacement deposits developed during metamorphism of dolomitic limestone. If you start seeing tremolite, norbergite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dollaseite-(ce)?+
Where is dollaseite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like dollaseite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with dollaseite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does dollaseite-(ce) form in?+
What is dollaseite-(ce) used for?+
Find dollaseite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
