Piergorite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral found in alkaline pegmatite environments. It typically forms small prismatic crystals and is recognized by its distinct brown to yellow coloration and characteristic association with rare earth element minerals.
Is this piergorite-(ce)?
4-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 piergorite-(ce) with a known reference. Piergorite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorelss, pale yellow.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular, platy.
Often confused with
Piergorite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside piergorite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with piergorite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₈Ce₂AlLiSi₆B₈O₃₆(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorelssPale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, platy
- Cleavage
- Very good on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In miarolitic cavities in syenitic volcanic ejectum
Where rockhounds find piergorite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Tre Croci, Vetralla, Viterbo province, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in syenitic volcanic ejectum. If you start seeing sanidine, mica, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify piergorite-(ce)?+
Where is piergorite-(ce) found?+
Is piergorite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like piergorite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with piergorite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does piergorite-(ce) form in?+
What is piergorite-(ce) used for?+
Find piergorite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
