Occurs in Pinal County.
Chemical Formula: (Ce,Ca,Y,Th)(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Specific Gravity: 4-4.3
Luster: Submetallic to resinous
Hardness: 5.5-6
Allanite-(Ce) is a complex silicate mineral that contains rare earth elements. It forms black to brownish crystals and is often found in igneous rocks and metamorphic environments.
Next Pinal County mineral: Allophane
Allanite-(Ce), also known simply as allanite, is a mineral that falls within the broader group of epidote minerals. It is a complex silicate mineral.
Allanite-(Ce) is particularly notable for containing cerium, a rare earth element, in its chemical composition. The “-(Ce)” in its name specifies the dominance of cerium in this specific variety of allanite. Its color can range from dark brown to black, and it often occurs as prismatic or tabular crystals.
This mineral is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, where it forms as a result of hydrothermal alteration of pre-existing minerals. Allanite-(Ce) is known for its ability to incorporate various rare earth elements into its structure, making it a valuable source of these elements, which have important industrial and technological applications.
Geologically, allanite-(Ce) can provide insights into the conditions under which rocks have undergone metamorphism and alteration. Its presence and chemical composition can help geologists understand the mineralogical history of a particular region and the processes that have shaped it over time.