Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the epidote group, primarily identified by its distinct chemical composition containing vanadium and cerium. It typically appears as dark, opaque grains or massive aggregates within metamorphic environments. Collectors primarily prize it for its rarity and its status as a mineral species unique to its type locality.
Is this vanadoandrosite-(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 vanadoandrosite-(ce) with a known reference. Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) leaves a brownish-gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains or massive.
Often confused with
Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish-gray, Epidote leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish-gray, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vanadoandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish-gray, Clinozoisite leaves white.
Often found alongside vanadoandrosite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with vanadoandrosite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCeMn²⁺Mn³⁺AlSi₂O₇O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 4.19 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish-gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains or Massive
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find vanadoandrosite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Andros Island, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where vanadoandrosite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, tremolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vanadoandrosite-(ce)?+
Where is vanadoandrosite-(ce) found?+
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What rocks look like vanadoandrosite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with vanadoandrosite-(ce)?+
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Find vanadoandrosite-(ce) on the map
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