Monazite-(Nd) is a rare earth phosphate mineral characterized by a dominance of neodymium in its composition. It typically occurs as small brown tabular crystals in pegmatites and is notable for its natural radioactivity due to thorium inclusions.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMonazite Group family

Monazite-(Nd)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this monazite-(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 monazite-(nd) with a known reference. Monazite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Monazite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Monazite-(Nd) typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Zircon is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 5-5.5); luster reads resinous on Monazite-(Nd) and adamantine on Zircon.

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Monazite-(Nd) and vitreous on Xenotime.

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Often found alongside monazite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Nd,Ce,La,Pr)PO₄
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 5.1-5.3 g/cm³
Colors: Reddish-brown Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Granitic Gneisses
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find monazite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Madagascar
Brazil
Norway
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, granitic gneisses country — that is the host setting where monazite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify monazite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include reddish-brown, brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is monazite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Madagascar; Brazil; Norway; USA.

How much is monazite-(nd) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is monazite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Monazite minerals contain thorium and uranium, making them mildly radioactive. Store samples in a contained environment and avoid creating dust when handling; wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like monazite-(nd)?+

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

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

Monazite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Monazite-(Nd) typically forms in granite pegmatites, granitic gneisses. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is monazite-(nd) used for?+

Monazite-(Nd) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find monazite-(nd) on the map

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