What is Dollaseite-(Ce)?
Dollaseite-(Ce) is a rare cerium-bearing epidote-supergroup silicate, usually found as brown crystals in complex metamorphic assemblages.
Mineralogy and structure
The reference formula is CaCeMg2Al(Si2O7)(SiO4)(OH)F. Dollaseite-(Ce) has a monoclinic epidote-related structure and should be kept distinct from allanite-(Ce), although the minerals are chemically related.
Colour and appearance
Typical colours include brown, yellow-brown. Its prismatic, granular habit and vitreous lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and localities
Dollaseite-(Ce) forms in or is associated with rare-earth- and magnesium-rich metamorphic rocks and skarn-like environments. Important documented localities include Sweden, Italy, Norway and other rare-earth mineral localities.
Collecting and care
Dollaseite-(Ce) is best kept as a labelled reference or collector specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and avoid cutting or grinding unknown material. Lead-, arsenic-, vanadium- and copper-bearing specimens are for display and careful handling only.
Dollaseite-(Ce) in popular symbolism
Some modern crystal guides associate Dollaseite-(Ce) with zodiac signs or symbolic themes based on colour, locality or collecting tradition. These associations vary between sources and are cultural interpretations, not mineralogical or medical properties.
