Deveroite-(Ce) is a rare rare-earth oxalate mineral found in hydrothermal environments. Collectors typically encounter it as small, fragile platy crystals associated with other REE-bearing minerals in alpine-type veins.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Deveroite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this deveroite-(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 deveroite-(ce) with a known reference. Deveroite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Deveroite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Deveroite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale yellow, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside deveroite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.35 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Yellow White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Gneiss

Where rockhounds find deveroite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Alpe Devero, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in gneiss country, the host setting where deveroite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, synchysite-(ce), anatase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify deveroite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale yellow, white, colorless.

Where is deveroite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Alpe Devero, Italy.

What rocks look like deveroite-(ce)?+

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

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

Deveroite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Synchysite-(Ce), Anatase. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Deveroite-(Ce) typically forms in hydrothermal veins in gneiss. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is deveroite-(ce) used for?+

Deveroite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find deveroite-(ce) on the map

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