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

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Vicanite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vicanite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vicanite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: equant to short prismatic crystals.

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 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,Na)₁₅(As,Si)₈O₃₀(F,OH,O)₉
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Equant to Short Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Ejecta (tephra/tuff)
Typical price: $100-500 for small crystals

Where rockhounds find vicanite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Vico volcano, Lazio, Italy
Latium, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic ejecta (tephra/tuff) country — that is the host setting where vicanite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, clinopyroxene, haüyne in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to short prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vicanite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, brown.

Where is vicanite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Vico volcano, Lazio, Italy; Latium, Italy.

How much is vicanite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vicanite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. 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. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Sanidine, Clinopyroxene, Haüyne, Garnet, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Vicanite-(Ce) typically forms in volcanic ejecta (tephra/tuff). 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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