Uedaite-(Ce) is a rare member of the epidote group characterized by manganese dominance in the structure. It is typically found in skarn deposits as small, dark, prismatic crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare earth element minerals.
Is this uedaite-(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 uedaite-(ce) with a known reference. Uedaite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Uedaite-(Ce) leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uedaite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Uedaite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uedaite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Epidote leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uedaite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Uedaite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside uedaite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with uedaite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnCeAl₂Fe³⁺(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find uedaite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Obira mine, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where uedaite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, chlorite 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 uedaite-(ce)?+
Where is uedaite-(ce) found?+
How much is uedaite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like uedaite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with uedaite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does uedaite-(ce) form in?+
What is uedaite-(ce) used for?+
Find uedaite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
