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

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMckelveyite Group family

Mckelveyite-(Nd)

Hardness: 4
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 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mckelveyite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mckelveyite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish-yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

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: NaCaBa₃(Nd,REE)(CO₃)₆·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish-yellow Yellowish-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Lacustrine Oil Shales
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mckelveyite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Green River Formation, USA
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, lacustrine oil shales country — that is the host setting where mckelveyite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing shortite, reedmergnerite, leucosphenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mckelveyite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include greenish-yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.

Where is mckelveyite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Green River Formation, USA; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is mckelveyite-(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.

Is mckelveyite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium and rare earth elements; handle with standard precautions for radioactive minerals including washing hands and avoiding inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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?+

Mckelveyite-(Nd) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, lacustrine oil shales. 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.