Ferricerite-(LaCa) is a rare member of the allanite group, typically identified by its dark, submetallic luster and monoclinic crystal habits. It is frequently found as an accessory mineral in rare-earth-rich pegmatites and granitic rocks.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Grayish-brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAllanite Group family

Ferricerite-(LaCa)

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Grayish-brown
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this ferricerite-(laca)?

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 ferricerite-(laca) with a known reference. Ferricerite-(LaCa) sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferricerite-(LaCa) leaves a grayish-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferricerite-(LaCa) typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Allanite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferricerite-(LaCa) leaves grayish-brown, Allanite leaves gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferricerite-(LaCa) leaves grayish-brown, Epidote leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Ferricerite-(LaCa) and vitreous on Epidote.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferricerite-(LaCa) leaves grayish-brown, Monazite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Ferricerite-(LaCa) and resinous on Monazite.

Compare →

Often found alongside ferricerite-(laca)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (La,Ca,Ce)₂(Fe³⁺,Al,Mg)₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 3.8-4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brownish-black Dark Brown
Streak: Grayish-brown
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites, Granites, Skarns
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find ferricerite-(laca)

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
Norway
Russia
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites, granites, skarns country — that is the host setting where ferricerite-(laca) typically forms. If you start seeing feldspar, quartz, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferricerite-(laca)?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is grayish-brown. Common colors include black, brownish-black, dark brown.

Where is ferricerite-(laca) found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; Norway; Russia; USA.

How much is ferricerite-(laca) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ferricerite-(laca) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium and rare earth elements; radioactive, store away from other sensitive minerals and handle with care, washing hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ferricerite-(laca)?+

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

What minerals are found with ferricerite-(laca)?+

Ferricerite-(LaCa) commonly co-occurs with Feldspar, Quartz, Biotite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferricerite-(laca) form in?+

Ferricerite-(LaCa) typically forms in pegmatites, granites, skarns. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferricerite-(laca) used for?+

Ferricerite-(LaCa) is used in collector.

Find ferricerite-(laca) on the map

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