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.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Yellowish-brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAeschynite Group family

Aeschynite-(Nd)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Yellowish-brown
Transparency: Opaque

Is this aeschynite-(nd)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try 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.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aeschynite-(Nd) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aeschynite-(Nd) typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Aeschynite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Aeschynite-(Ce)

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aeschynite-(Nd) leaves yellowish-brown, Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Aeschynite-(Nd) and resinous to submetallic on Aeschynite-(Ce).

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aeschynite-(Nd) leaves yellowish-brown, Euxenite leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Aeschynite-(Nd) and submetallic, resinous, greasy on Euxenite.

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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,Ce,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)₂(O,OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.9-5.2 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: Yellowish-brown
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find aeschynite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Vishnevye Mountains, Russia
Madagascar
Norway
Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where aeschynite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aeschynite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is yellowish-brown. Common colors include black, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is aeschynite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Vishnevye Mountains, Russia; Madagascar; Norway; Japan.

How much is aeschynite-(nd) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is aeschynite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. This mineral contains thorium and is mildly radioactive. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like aeschynite-(nd)?+

Aeschynite-(Nd) is most often confused with Aeschynite-(Ce), Euxenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with aeschynite-(nd)?+

Aeschynite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Zircon, Feldspar, Mica, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aeschynite-(nd) form in?+

Aeschynite-(Nd) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aeschynite-(nd) used for?+

Aeschynite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find aeschynite-(nd) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.