Perrierite-(La) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the chevkinite group, often appearing as dark, lustrous, tabular crystals. It is typically found in alkaline volcanic rocks or pegmatites and is notable for its weak radioactive properties due to rare earth element content.
Is this perrierite-(la)?
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-(la) with a known reference. Perrierite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Perrierite-(La) leaves a light brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Perrierite-(La) 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: prismatic, tabular, or granular.
Often confused with
Perrierite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Perrierite-(La) leaves light brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads resinous on Perrierite-(La) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Perrierite-(La) leaves light brown, Zirkelite leaves yellowish brown.
Often found alongside perrierite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with perrierite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (La,Ce,Ca)₄(Mg,Fe²⁺)Ti₂Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.6-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Tabular, Or Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Volcanic Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find perrierite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Latium, Italy
- Nagssugtoq, Greenland
- Siberia, Russia
- Colorado, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline volcanic rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where perrierite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, augite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, tabular, or granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify perrierite-(la)?+
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Is perrierite-(la) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like perrierite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with perrierite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does perrierite-(la) form in?+
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Find perrierite-(la) on the map
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