Gasparite-(Ce) is a rare arsenic-bearing member of the monazite group, typically found as small, distinct crystals in alpine-type veins. Collectors should look for it in high-grade metamorphic environments associated with quartz and carbonate minerals. Due to its arsenic and radioactive components, it requires careful storage and handling protocols.
Is this gasparite-(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 gasparite-(ce) with a known reference. Gasparite-(Ce) 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: small prismatic crystals or aggregates.
Often confused with
Gasparite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Gasparite-(Ce) leaves white, Monazite-(Ce) leaves grayish white; luster reads vitreous to resinous on Gasparite-(Ce) and resinous, waxy, vitreous to adamantine on Monazite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous to resinous on Gasparite-(Ce) and resinous or greasy to vitreous on Cheralite.
Often found alongside gasparite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with gasparite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeAsO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 5.63 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Small prismatic crystals or aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In fissures, replacing synchysite, formed by amphibolite-grade metamorphism of metasedimentary rocks (Pizzo Cervandone, Italy)
Where rockhounds find gasparite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Squaw Creek tin prospect, Catron Co., and on the Beryllium Virgin claim, Paramount Canyon, Sierra Co., New Mexico, USA
- Southeastern slope of Pizzo Cervandone, Alpe Devero, Val d’Aosta, Piedmont, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In fissures, replacing synchysite, formed by amphibolite-grade metamorphism of metasedimentary rocks (Pizzo Cervandone, Italy). If you start seeing synchysite-, chernovite, cafarsite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: small prismatic crystals or aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify gasparite-(ce)?+
Where is gasparite-(ce) found?+
Is gasparite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like gasparite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with gasparite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does gasparite-(ce) form in?+
What is gasparite-(ce) used for?+
Find gasparite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
