Calcioancylite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth carbonate mineral typically found in late-stage cavities of alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors primarily seek it for its distinct pseudo-octahedral crystal habit, often found at world-class localities like Mont Saint-Hilaire. It is primarily a specialist mineral sought by advanced systematic collectors.
Is this calcioancylite-(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 calcioancylite-(nd) with a known reference. Calcioancylite-(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. Calcioancylite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calcioancylite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pink, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo-octahedral crystals, dipyramidal, occasionally tabular.
Often confused with
Calcioancylite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calcioancylite-(nd)
Minerals reported to co-occur with calcioancylite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Nd,Ca)₂(CO₃)₃(OH,H₂O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.9-4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-octahedral Crystals, Dipyramidal, Occasionally Tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find calcioancylite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Narssarssuk, Greenland
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where calcioancylite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-octahedral crystals, dipyramidal, occasionally tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calcioancylite-(nd)?+
Where is calcioancylite-(nd) found?+
How much is calcioancylite-(nd) worth?+
What rocks look like calcioancylite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with calcioancylite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does calcioancylite-(nd) form in?+
What is calcioancylite-(nd) used for?+
Find calcioancylite-(nd) on the map
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