White aggregates of the rare cerium oxalate mineral deveroite-(Ce) from a locality in India (Kodanda Rama Mine, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India). Ex. Erich Laskowski collection (USA). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY 4.0
Deveroite-(Ce)
Deveroite-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the organic mineral class, with the chemical formula Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c). It is a member of the Oxalate structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–2.5; specific gravity 2.352; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Dvr-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
Precipitated from meteoric waters enriched with oxalic acid likely derived from incomplete oxidation of decaying plant remains (in this case crusty lichens). Rare earth elements provided by the hosting mineral, cervandonite-(Ce).
It is found associated with Cervandonite-(Ce), agardite-(Ce), asbecasite, cafarsite, K-feldspar, muscovite, quartz.
The name is derived from the locality, Devero Natural Park in Devero Valley, that produced the first specimens and a suffix for the dominant rare earth element.