Yttrotungstite-(Ce) is a rare secondary mineral typically formed through the weathering of scheelite or tungsten-bearing minerals. It is best identified by its distinct yellow color, characteristic pearly luster on cleavage surfaces, and occurrence as thin platy crystals or earthy coatings in oxidized ore zones.
Is this yttrotungstite-(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 yttrotungstite-(ce) with a known reference. Yttrotungstite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yttrotungstite-(Ce) leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yttrotungstite-(Ce) typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates, coatings.
Often confused with
Yttrotungstite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Yttrotungstite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow, Yttrotungstite-(Y) leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Scheelite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Yttrotungstite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow, Scheelite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Yttrotungstite-(Ce) and vitreous on Scheelite.
Often found alongside yttrotungstite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with yttrotungstite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ce(WO₃)₂(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 5.5-6.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates, Coatings
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tungsten Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find yttrotungstite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Pulacayo, Bolivia
- Gantt's Quarry, Alabama, USA
- Kramat Pulai, Malaysia
- Mt. Wheeler, Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tungsten ore deposits country — that is the host setting where yttrotungstite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing tungstite, ferberite, scheelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify yttrotungstite-(ce)?+
Where is yttrotungstite-(ce) found?+
How much is yttrotungstite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like yttrotungstite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with yttrotungstite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does yttrotungstite-(ce) form in?+
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Find yttrotungstite-(ce) on the map
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