Perrierite-(Ce) is a rare rare-earth-bearing silicate that often occurs as tabular to prismatic crystals in alkaline volcanic rocks. It is visually very similar to chevkinite-(Ce) and is typically identified through analytical methods like X-ray diffraction or chemical testing. Collectors primarily find it in specific geological occurrences where rare-earth minerals are concentrated.
Is this perrierite-(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 perrierite-(ce) with a known reference. Perrierite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Perrierite-(Ce) leaves a light brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Perrierite-(Ce) typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Perrierite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Perrierite-(Ce) leaves light brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads resinous on Perrierite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Perrierite-(Ce) leaves light brown, Chevkinite-(Ce) leaves white to light brown; luster reads resinous on Perrierite-(Ce) and vitreous on Chevkinite-(Ce).
Often found alongside perrierite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with perrierite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca,Th,La)₄(Mg,Fe²⁺)₂Ti₃Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, Volcanic Ejecta
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find perrierite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Nettuno, Italy
- Hitra, Norway
- Nagytarcsa, Hungary
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Antarctica
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where perrierite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify perrierite-(ce)?+
Where is perrierite-(ce) found?+
How much is perrierite-(ce) worth?+
Is perrierite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like perrierite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with perrierite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does perrierite-(ce) form in?+
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Find perrierite-(ce) on the map
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