Gatelite-(Ce) is an extremely rare silicate mineral belonging to the gatelite group, known primarily from the Saint-Vincent region in Italy. It typically occurs as small brown tabular crystals within metasomatized carbonate zones, often requiring careful microscopic identification to distinguish from common epidote-group minerals.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGatelite Group family

Gatelite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this gatelite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch gatelite-(ce) with a known reference. Gatelite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gatelite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gatelite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Gatelite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Allanite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Gatelite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Gatelite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

Often found alongside gatelite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with gatelite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂CeMgAlSi₃O₁₂(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellow-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metasomatized Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find gatelite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Saint-Vincent, Aosta Valley, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatized carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where gatelite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing diopside, garnet, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gatelite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellow-brown.

Where is gatelite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Saint-Vincent, Aosta Valley, Italy.

How much is gatelite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like gatelite-(ce)?+

Gatelite-(Ce) is most often confused with Allanite, Epidote. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with gatelite-(ce)?+

Gatelite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with diopside, garnet, titanite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gatelite-(ce) form in?+

Gatelite-(Ce) typically forms in metasomatized carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gatelite-(ce) used for?+

Gatelite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find gatelite-(ce) on the map

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