Galgenbergite-(Ce) is an extremely rare calcium-cerium carbonate mineral first discovered at the Galgenberg locality in Germany. It typically forms small, platy, pseudo-hexagonal crystals that can be confused with other rare-earth minerals like parisite or bastnäsite. Collectors usually acquire it in micro-mounts or small specimens due to its limited global distribution.
Is this galgenbergite-(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 galgenbergite-(ce) with a known reference. Galgenbergite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette.
Often confused with
Galgenbergite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside galgenbergite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with galgenbergite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCe₂(CO₃)₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.99 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, rosette
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In small fissures cutting an albite–chlorite schist
Where rockhounds find galgenbergite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Galgenberg railroad tunnel between Leoben and St. Michael, Styria, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In small fissures cutting an albite–chlorite schist. If you start seeing calcite, siderite, ancylite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galgenbergite-(ce)?+
Where is galgenbergite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like galgenbergite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with galgenbergite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does galgenbergite-(ce) form in?+
What is galgenbergite-(ce) used for?+
Find galgenbergite-(ce) on the map
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