Wakefieldite-(Ce) is a rare vanadate mineral typically found as tiny crystals or crusts in pegmatite pockets. It is primarily sought after by advanced collectors for its rarity and its inclusion in the xenotime structural group.
Is this wakefieldite-(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 wakefieldite-(ce) with a known reference. Wakefieldite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wakefieldite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wakefieldite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tan, yellow, brown, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic prismatic crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Wakefieldite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wakefieldite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with wakefieldite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeVO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 5.5-6.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Prismatic Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find wakefieldite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Wakefield, Quebec, Canada
- Zagi Mountain, Pakistan
- Eifel region, Germany
- Itambe, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where wakefieldite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic prismatic crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify wakefieldite-(ce)?+
Where is wakefieldite-(ce) found?+
How much is wakefieldite-(ce) worth?+
Is wakefieldite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like wakefieldite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with wakefieldite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does wakefieldite-(ce) form in?+
What is wakefieldite-(ce) used for?+
Find wakefieldite-(ce) on the map
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