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

Transparent

mineralrare

Zugshunstite-(Ce)

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

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. Zugshunstite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zugshunstite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

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); luster reads vitreous on Zugshunstite-(Ce) and pearly on Lanthanite-(Ce).

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

Compare →

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: NaCe₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metasomatized Limestone
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zugshunstite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

ZUGspitze area, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatized limestone country — that is the host setting where zugshunstite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing anhydrite, gypsum, aphthitalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zugshunstite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange, brown.

Where is zugshunstite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include ZUGspitze area, Germany.

How much is zugshunstite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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 Anhydrite, Gypsum, Aphthitalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Zugshunstite-(Ce) typically forms in metasomatized limestone. 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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