Christofschäferite-(Ce) is a rare cerium lanthanum calcium silicate that forms black stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains. It is a metasomatic reaction product between Mn-rich rock and alkali basalt, found in a volcanic ejectum. It was first described from Wingertsbergwand (Wingertsberg Mt.) of the Laacher See volcano near Mendig, Eifel Mountains, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Christofschäferite-(Ce)

Hardness: 6
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Brown
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this christofschäferite-(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 christofschäferite-(ce) with a known reference. Christofschäferite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Christofschäferite-(Ce) leaves a brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Christofschäferite-(Ce) typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apatite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Christofschäferite-(Ce) is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 5); streak differs, so Christofschäferite-(Ce) leaves brown, Apatite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Christofschäferite-(Ce) and vitreous on Apatite.

Compare →

Often found alongside christofschäferite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ce,La,Ca)₄Mn(Ti,Fe)₃(Fe,Ti)(Si₂O₇)₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Brown
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Stubby Prismatic Crystals or Isolated Grains
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Ejecta

Where rockhounds find christofschäferite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Eifel volcanic field, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic ejecta country, the host setting where christofschäferite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, augite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a stubby prismatic crystals or isolated grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify christofschäferite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is brown. Common colors include black.

Where is christofschäferite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Eifel volcanic field, Germany.

What rocks look like christofschäferite-(ce)?+

Christofschäferite-(Ce) is most often confused with Apatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Christofschäferite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Sanidine, Augite, Magnetite, Fluorapatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Christofschäferite-(Ce) typically forms in volcanic ejecta. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is christofschäferite-(ce) used for?+

Christofschäferite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find christofschäferite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.