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.
Is this parisite-(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 parisite-(nd) with a known reference. Parisite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4-5, 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: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. 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
- 4.20-4.50 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Pyramidal crystals, often occurring as hexagonal prisms with tabular terminations
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In carbonatite-derived dolomitic marble
Where rockhounds find parisite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo Fe–Nb–RE deposit, 130 km north of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In carbonatite-derived dolomitic marble. If you start seeing calcite, aegirine, sodic amphibole in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pyramidal crystals, often occurring as hexagonal prisms with tabular terminations. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parisite-(nd)?+
Where is parisite-(nd) found?+
What rocks look like parisite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with parisite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does parisite-(nd) form in?+
What is parisite-(nd) used for?+
Find parisite-(nd) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
