Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate found primarily in complex alkaline rock formations and carbonatite deposits. It typically forms as small, tabular, hexagonal crystals or granular masses with a distinct vitreous luster. Collectors prize it as a rare member of the bastnäsite group, often requiring analytical confirmation due to its similarity to other REE minerals.
Is this hydroxylbastnäsite-(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 hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) with a known reference. Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull in aggregates.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Bastnäsite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 1-2); luster reads dull in aggregates on Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) and vitreous to greasy, pearly on basal partings on Bastnäsite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Parisite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) leaves white, Parisite-(Ce) leaves pale yellow; luster reads dull in aggregates on Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) and vitreous to resinous, pearly on {0001} parting on Parisite-(Ce).
Often found alongside hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd)
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NdCO₃(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 4.89 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull in aggregates
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, massive, granular
- Cleavage
- On {0001}, a parting
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- As a rare authigenic mineral in a bauxite deposit developed on limestone
Where rockhounds find hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Zagrad bauxite deposit, near Nikšić, Montenegro, Yugoslavia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As a rare authigenic mineral in a bauxite deposit developed on limestone. If you start seeing bauxite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd)?+
Where is hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) found?+
Is hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) form in?+
What is hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) used for?+
Find hydroxylbastnäsite-(nd) on the map
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