Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) is a rare sorosilicate mineral belonging to the epidote supergroup. It is primarily identified in skarn deposits through analytical methods such as electron microprobe analysis, as it closely resembles other dark, prismatic members of the allanite subgroup.
Is this ferriperbøeite-(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 ferriperbøeite-(ce) with a known reference. Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Epidote leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Ferriperbøeite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside ferriperbøeite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferriperbøeite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCe₃Fe³⁺Al(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferriperbøeite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Malmkärra mine, Norberg, Västmanland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where ferriperbøeite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferriperbøeite-(ce)?+
Where is ferriperbøeite-(ce) found?+
How much is ferriperbøeite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like ferriperbøeite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with ferriperbøeite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does ferriperbøeite-(ce) form in?+
What is ferriperbøeite-(ce) used for?+
Find ferriperbøeite-(ce) on the map
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