Västmanlandite-(Ce) is a rare cerium-dominant mineral within the vesuvianite group, first discovered in the skarn deposits of Västmanland, Sweden. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals and is physically similar to standard vesuvianite but distinguished by its rare-earth element composition.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareVesuvianite Group family

Västmanlandite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this västmanlandite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch västmanlandite-(ce) with a known reference. Västmanlandite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Västmanlandite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Västmanlandite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Västmanlandite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Västmanlandite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Västmanlandite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

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Often found alongside västmanlandite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with västmanlandite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂CeAl₂MgSi₃O₁₂(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find västmanlandite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Västmanland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where västmanlandite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, garnet 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 västmanlandite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, reddish-brown.

Where is västmanlandite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Västmanland, Sweden.

How much is västmanlandite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like västmanlandite-(ce)?+

Västmanlandite-(Ce) is most often confused with Vesuvianite, Allanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with västmanlandite-(ce)?+

Västmanlandite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does västmanlandite-(ce) form in?+

Västmanlandite-(Ce) typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is västmanlandite-(ce) used for?+

Västmanlandite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find västmanlandite-(ce) on the map

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