Vicanite-(Ce) is a rare complex calcium-cerium silicate found primarily in the ejecta of the Vico volcano in Italy. It typically forms as small, brownish-yellow crystals and is highly prized by collectors for its unique chemistry and extreme scarcity.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Vicanite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this vicanite-(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 vicanite-(ce) with a known reference. Vicanite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow green, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, crystalline.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Titanite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Vicanite-(Ce) and adamantine to resinous on Titanite.

Often found alongside vicanite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Ce,La,Th)₁₅As(As,Na)₀.₅Fe₀.₇Si₆B₄(O,F)₄₇
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.73 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow green Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, crystalline
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As crystals in miarolitic cavities in volcanic ejecta of syenitic composition

Where rockhounds find vicanite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Tre Croci, Vetralla (north of Rome), Viterbo province, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As crystals in miarolitic cavities in volcanic ejecta of syenitic composition. If you start seeing zircon, thorite, thorian uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, crystalline. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vicanite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow green, green.

Where is vicanite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Tre Croci, Vetralla (north of Rome), Viterbo province, Italy.

Is vicanite-(ce) safe to handle?+

Vicanite-(Ce) contains arsenic and uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Contains thorium and arsenic, making it radioactive and toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with care, store away from other minerals, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like vicanite-(ce)?+

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

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

Vicanite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Zircon, Thorite, Thorian uraninite, Betafite, Thorian hellandite, Titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: As crystals in miarolitic cavities in volcanic ejecta of syenitic composition. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vicanite-(ce) used for?+

Vicanite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find vicanite-(ce) on the map

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