Schuilingite-(Nd) is a rare neodymium-bearing carbonate that forms striking, vibrant blue acicular crystals and radiating sprays. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper-uranium deposits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Collectors prize it for its intense color and unique, delicate crystal habits.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Schuilingite-(Nd)

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

Is this schuilingite-(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 schuilingite-(nd) with a known reference. Schuilingite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 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. Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schuilingite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, turquoise-blue, azure.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, radial sprays.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Azurite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves white, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Schuilingite-(Nd) and vitreous to dull on Azurite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Schuilingite-(Nd) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves white, Linarite leaves pale blue.

Compare →

Often found alongside schuilingite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbNd(CO₃)₃(OH)·1.5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Turquoise-blue Azure
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates, Radial Sprays
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-copper Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find schuilingite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kamoto Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
M'Sera, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-copper deposits country — that is the host setting where schuilingite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, malachite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, radial sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schuilingite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, turquoise-blue, azure.

Where is schuilingite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kamoto Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; M'Sera, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is schuilingite-(nd) worth?+

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

Is schuilingite-(nd) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schuilingite-(nd)?+

Schuilingite-(Nd) is most often confused with Azurite, Malachite, Linarite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Schuilingite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Malachite, Azurite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Schuilingite-(Nd) typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schuilingite-(nd) used for?+

Schuilingite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find schuilingite-(nd) on the map

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