Chukhrovite-(Nd) is a rare sulfate-fluoride mineral that typically forms sharp, geometric octahedral crystals. It is primarily found in late-stage hydrothermal mineral associations and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its complexity and rarity.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to greasy

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareChukhrovite Group family

Chukhrovite-(Nd)

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this chukhrovite-(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 chukhrovite-(nd) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals.

Often confused with

Chukhrovite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside chukhrovite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃NdAl₂SO₄F₁₃·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Euhedral crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct on {111}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized zone of molybdenum-tungsten deposit

Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Kara-Oba, Betpakdala Desert, Kazakhstan (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Oxidized zone of molybdenum-tungsten deposit. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chukhrovite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: vitreous to greasy. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is chukhrovite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Kara-Oba, Betpakdala Desert, Kazakhstan (type locality).

What rocks look like chukhrovite-(nd)?+

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

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

Chukhrovite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Fluorite, Quartz, Pyrite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: Oxidized zone of molybdenum-tungsten deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chukhrovite-(nd) used for?+

Chukhrovite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find chukhrovite-(nd) on the map

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