Bastnäsite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate mineral primarily found in carbonatite deposits. It typically forms hexagonal, tabular crystals with a characteristic reddish-pale purplish pink to colorless or yellowish hue and is a vital source of neodymium. Collectors prize it as a significant species within the Bastnäsite group, often associated with other rare earth minerals.
Is this bastnäsite-(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 bastnäsite-(nd) with a known reference. Bastnäsite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white [by analogy to bastnäsite-(Ce)].
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, greasy or pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale purplish pink, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Bastnäsite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Nd(CO₃)F
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 5.23 g/cm³
- Colors
- Pale purplish pinkColorless
- Streak
- White [by analogy to bastnäsite-(Ce)]
- Luster
- Vitreous, greasy or pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, platy aggregates, massive
- Cleavage
- Indistinct on {101̄0}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of neodymium
- Host rock
- Forms zones in the outer parts of bastnäsite-(Ce) crystals in lenticular bodies of Y-rich fluorite in quartz-microcline NYF (niobium–yttrium–fluorine) pegmatite in granitic orthogneiss
Where rockhounds find bastnäsite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Stetind pegmatite, Tysfjord, Nordland, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Forms zones in the outer parts of bastnäsite-(Ce) crystals in lenticular bodies of Y-rich fluorite in quartz-microcline NYF (niobium–yttrium–fluorine) pegmatite in granitic orthogneiss. If you start seeing bastnäsite-, stetindite, atelisite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bastnäsite-(nd)?+
Where is bastnäsite-(nd) found?+
What rocks look like bastnäsite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with bastnäsite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does bastnäsite-(nd) form in?+
What is bastnäsite-(nd) used for?+
Find bastnäsite-(nd) on the map
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