Fluocerite-(La) is a rare lanthanum-dominant fluoride mineral typically found in complex pegmatites and skarn deposits. It usually occurs as small, dull-colored masses or poorly defined crystals that are often radioactive due to trace impurities. Collectors value it as a scarce member of the fluocerite group.
Is this fluocerite-(la)?
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 fluocerite-(la) with a known reference. Fluocerite-(La) sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluocerite-(La) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluocerite-(La) typically shows a vitreous to greasy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, yellow, brown, pinkish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often massive or granular.
Often confused with
Fluocerite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluocerite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluocerite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (La,Ce)F₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 5.9-6.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to Greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often Massive or Granular
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Rare-earth Element Rich Pegmatites and Skarns
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find fluocerite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bastnäs, Sweden
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Ambatofotsikely, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in rare-earth element rich pegmatites and skarns country — that is the host setting where fluocerite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing allanite, bastnäsite, cerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often massive or granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluocerite-(la)?+
Where is fluocerite-(la) found?+
How much is fluocerite-(la) worth?+
Is fluocerite-(la) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like fluocerite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with fluocerite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does fluocerite-(la) form in?+
What is fluocerite-(la) used for?+
Find fluocerite-(la) on the map
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