Mckelveyite-(Nd) is a rare carbonate mineral typically found as small, tabular crystals within alkaline geological environments. It is highly prized by collectors for its association with exotic rare-earth suites and is best identified through laboratory analysis due to its visual similarity to other members of the Mckelveyite group.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMckelveyite Group family

Mckelveyite-(Nd)

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mckelveyite-(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 mckelveyite-(nd) with a known reference. Mckelveyite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 3-3.5, 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.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow, light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mckelveyite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaBa₃Nd(CO₃)₆·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 3.47-3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellow Light green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: An inadequately described species

Where rockhounds find mckelveyite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Vuoriyarvi massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: An inadequately described species. If you start seeing shortite, reedmergnerite, leucosphenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mckelveyite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellow, light green.

Where is mckelveyite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Vuoriyarvi massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality).

Is mckelveyite-(nd) safe to handle?+

Contains thorium and rare earth elements; handle with standard precautions for radioactive minerals including washing hands and avoiding inhalation of dust.

What rocks look like mckelveyite-(nd)?+

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

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

Mckelveyite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Shortite, Reedmergnerite, Leucosphenite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: An inadequately described species. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mckelveyite-(nd) used for?+

Mckelveyite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find mckelveyite-(nd) on the map

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