Florencite-(Ce) is a rare phosphate mineral often found as small, sharp rhombohedral crystals in metamorphic environments or alluvial sands. Collectors typically search for its distinct crystal habit and color, often associating it with quartz or kyanite in high-pressure geologic settings.
Is this florencite-(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 florencite-(ce) with a known reference. Florencite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Florencite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Florencite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pink, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, sometimes pseudo-cubic.
Often confused with
Florencite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside florencite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with florencite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.5-3.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Sometimes Pseudo-cubic
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Metamorphic Rocks, And Heavy Mineral Concentrates in Alluvial Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find florencite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Långban, Sweden
- Binn Valley, Switzerland
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, metamorphic rocks, and heavy mineral concentrates in alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where florencite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kyanite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, sometimes pseudo-cubic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify florencite-(ce)?+
Where is florencite-(ce) found?+
How much is florencite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like florencite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with florencite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does florencite-(ce) form in?+
What is florencite-(ce) used for?+
Find florencite-(ce) on the map
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