Zugshunstite-(Ce) is an extremely rare sulfate mineral found within the unique geological environment of the Zugspitze area. It typically forms small, tabular, yellow to brownish crystals in association with other rare secondary minerals in metamorphosed limestone.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Zugshunstite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

Is this zugshunstite-(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 zugshunstite-(ce) with a known reference. Zugshunstite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3.5, 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: pink, very pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, water soluble, wedge shaped.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lanthanite-(Ce)

Mohs ~2.5

How to tell apart: Zugshunstite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. ~2.5).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Zugshunstite-(Ce) and dull, chalky on Tengerite-(Y).

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Often found alongside zugshunstite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CeAl(SO₄)₂(C₂O₄)·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.121 g/cm³
Colors: PinkVery pale blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, water soluble, wedge shaped
Cleavage: On {010}, poor
Fluorescence: Very pale blue under SW and LW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime

Where rockhounds find zugshunstite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Alum Cave Bluff, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime. If you start seeing levinsonite-, epsomite, halotrichite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, water soluble, wedge shaped. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zugshunstite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, very pale blue.

Where is zugshunstite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Alum Cave Bluff, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA.

What rocks look like zugshunstite-(ce)?+

Zugshunstite-(Ce) is most often confused with Lanthanite-(Ce), Tengerite-(Y). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Zugshunstite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Levinsonite-, Epsomite, Halotrichite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zugshunstite-(ce) used for?+

Zugshunstite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find zugshunstite-(ce) on the map

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