Parisite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate mineral that is the neodymium-dominant analog of the Parisite group. It is typically found in alkaline igneous environments and carbonatites, often appearing as distinct, sharp tabular crystals that may resemble small pyramids stacked together.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareParisite Group family

Parisite-(Nd)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this parisite-(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 parisite-(nd) with a known reference. Parisite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parisite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parisite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: pyramidal crystals, often occurring as hexagonal prisms with tabular terminations.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside parisite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaNd₂(CO₃)₃F₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.3-4.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Pyramidal Crystals, Often Occurring as Hexagonal Prisms with Tabular Terminations
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Carbonatites and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find parisite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Mountain Pass, California, USA
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Bayun Obo, China
Fen Complex, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatites and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where parisite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing bastnäsite, barite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pyramidal crystals, often occurring as hexagonal prisms with tabular terminations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parisite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is parisite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Mountain Pass, California, USA; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Bayun Obo, China; Fen Complex, Norway.

How much is parisite-(nd) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like parisite-(nd)?+

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

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

Parisite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Bastnäsite, Barite, Fluorite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Parisite-(Nd) typically forms in carbonatites and alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parisite-(nd) used for?+

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

Find parisite-(nd) on the map

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