Perbøeite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the gadolinite supergroup, known primarily from its type locality in the pegmatites of Norway. It typically appears as dark, complex prismatic crystals and is prized by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted occurrence and chemical complexity.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGadolinite Supergroup family

Perbøeite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this perbøeite-(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 perbøeite-(ce) with a known reference. Perbøeite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Perbøeite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Perbøeite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

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

Compare →

Often found alongside perbøeite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Ce₄Mg₂Al₂Si₈O₃₀(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find perbøeite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Hoseid, Drangedal, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where perbøeite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify perbøeite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is perbøeite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Hoseid, Drangedal, Norway.

How much is perbøeite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is perbøeite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium/uranium trace elements; handle with care and wash hands after touching specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like perbøeite-(ce)?+

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

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

Perbøeite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Biotite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Perbøeite-(Ce) typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is perbøeite-(ce) used for?+

Perbøeite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find perbøeite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.