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-brown 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.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Bastnäsite-(Nd)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this bastnäsite-(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 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.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bastnäsite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bastnäsite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

Often found alongside bastnäsite-(nd)

Minerals reported to co-occur with bastnäsite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Nd(CO₃)F
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates, Massive
Cleavage: Distinct On {1010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Ore of Neodymium
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find bastnäsite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Mountain Pass, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where bastnäsite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, fluorite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bastnäsite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is bastnäsite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Mountain Pass, USA.

How much is bastnäsite-(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.

What rocks look like bastnäsite-(nd)?+

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

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

Bastnäsite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Fluorite, Barite, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Bastnäsite-(Nd) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bastnäsite-(nd) used for?+

Bastnäsite-(Nd) is used in collector, ore of neodymium.

Find bastnäsite-(nd) on the map

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