Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) is an extremely rare carbonate mineral found primarily in the agpaitic rocks of the Ilímaussaq complex. It typically appears as small, reddish-brown platy crystals associated with complex alkaline pegmatites. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition featuring neodymium as the dominant rare earth element.

Hardness
4-5
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

Is this carlgieseckeite-(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 carlgieseckeite-(nd) with a known reference. Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 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. Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often found alongside carlgieseckeite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Na(Nd,Ce)₄(CO₃)₃F(OH)₂
Mohs hardness
4-5
Density
4.57 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Triclinic
Crystal habit
Platy Crystals
Cleavage
Good
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find carlgieseckeite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

  • Ilímaussaq complex, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where carlgieseckeite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify carlgieseckeite-(nd)?+
Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include reddish-brown, brown.
Where is carlgieseckeite-(nd) found?+
Notable localities include Ilímaussaq complex, Greenland.
How much is carlgieseckeite-(nd) worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What minerals are found with carlgieseckeite-(nd)?+
Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does carlgieseckeite-(nd) form in?+
Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is carlgieseckeite-(nd) used for?+
Carlgieseckeite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find carlgieseckeite-(nd) on the map

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play