Gysinite-(Nd) is a rare lead-neodymium carbonate mineral typically found as fine needles or fibrous aggregates. It is most frequently identified in the oxidation zones of ore deposits where it forms as a secondary mineral alongside other rare earth elements and lead minerals.
Is this gysinite-(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 gysinite-(nd) with a known reference. Gysinite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gysinite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gysinite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, pale pink, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating clusters.
Often confused with
Gysinite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Gysinite-(Nd) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3-3.5); luster reads vitreous on Gysinite-(Nd) and adamantine on Cerussite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Gysinite-(Nd) leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.
Often found alongside gysinite-(nd)
Minerals reported to co-occur with gysinite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb(Nd,La)(CO₃)₂(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Radiating Clusters
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base Metal and Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find gysinite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe mine, DR Congo
- Tsumeb mine, Namibia
- Långban, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal and uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where gysinite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, malachite, soddyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify gysinite-(nd)?+
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Is gysinite-(nd) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like gysinite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with gysinite-(nd)?+
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Find gysinite-(nd) on the map
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