Crystals of zugshunstite-(Ce) (about 1-1,5 mm) in a matrix of magnesian apjohnite (mostly dehydrated) and epsomite. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Zugshunstite-(Ce)
Zugshunstite-(Ce) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the organic mineral class, with the chemical formula CeAl(SO₄)₂(C₂O₄)·12H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c). It is a member of the Oxalate structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 2.121; White streak; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Zug-Ce, IMA status: approved, named in 1996.
Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime.
It is found associated with Levinsonite-(Y), epsomite, halotrichite.
Derived from the Cherokee Indian term for the Great Smoky Mountains, source of the mineral.