Florencite-(Nd) is a rare phosphate mineral characterized by its neodymium dominance within the florencite group. It typically appears as small, rhombohedral crystals in metamorphic environments and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its chemical specificity.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFlorencite Group family

Florencite-(Nd)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this florencite-(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 florencite-(nd) with a known reference. Florencite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Florencite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Florencite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside florencite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NdAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins, And Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find florencite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
San Bernardino County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins, and alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where florencite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing kyanite, quartz, diaspore in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify florencite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, brown, yellow.

Where is florencite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; San Bernardino County, California, USA.

How much is florencite-(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 rocks look like florencite-(nd)?+

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

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

Florencite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Kyanite, Quartz, Diaspore, Pyrophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Florencite-(Nd) typically forms in metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins, and alluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is florencite-(nd) used for?+

Florencite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find florencite-(nd) on the map

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