Aeschynite-(Nd) is a rare earth-bearing oxide mineral belonging to the aeschynite group. It is typically found in alkaline pegmatites as small, prismatic, submetallic crystals and is prized primarily by rare-earth mineral collectors.
Is this aeschynite-(nd)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aeschynite-(nd) with a known reference. Aeschynite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellowish brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: metamict, radial.
Often confused with
Aeschynite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Aeschynite-(Nd) leaves pale yellowish brown, Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves nearly black to brown; luster reads adamantine on Aeschynite-(Nd) and submetallic, resinous to waxy; dull when altered on Aeschynite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Aeschynite-(Nd) leaves pale yellowish brown, Euxenite-(Y) leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish brown; luster reads adamantine on Aeschynite-(Nd) and brilliant submetallic, waxy to resinous on fractures on Euxenite-(Y).
Often found alongside aeschynite-(nd)
Minerals reported to co-occur with aeschynite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Nd(TiNb)O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.60-5.04 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellowish brown
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Metamict, radial
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In veins in slate and metamorphosed dolostone
Where rockhounds find aeschynite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo Fe–Nb–RE deposit, 130 km north of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In veins in slate and metamorphosed dolostone. If you start seeing aegirine, riebeckite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: metamict, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aeschynite-(nd)?+
Where is aeschynite-(nd) found?+
Is aeschynite-(nd) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like aeschynite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with aeschynite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does aeschynite-(nd) form in?+
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Find aeschynite-(nd) on the map
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