Åskagenite-(Nd) is an extremely rare member of the epidote supergroup characterized by its dominant neodymium content. It typically appears as dark, opaque masses or small prismatic crystals embedded in granitic pegmatites and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this åskagenite-(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 åskagenite-(nd) with a known reference. Åskagenite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Åskagenite-(Nd) leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Åskagenite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Åskagenite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Åskagenite-(Nd) leaves brownish, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Åskagenite-(Nd) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Åskagenite-(Nd) leaves brownish, Epidote leaves white.
Often found alongside åskagenite-(nd)
Minerals reported to co-occur with åskagenite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺₂NdAl₂Fe³⁺(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find åskagenite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Åskagen, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where åskagenite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify åskagenite-(nd)?+
Where is åskagenite-(nd) found?+
How much is åskagenite-(nd) worth?+
What rocks look like åskagenite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with åskagenite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does åskagenite-(nd) form in?+
What is åskagenite-(nd) used for?+
Find åskagenite-(nd) on the map
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