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.
Is this schuilingite-(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 schuilingite-(nd) with a known reference. Schuilingite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light blue.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: azure, turquoise.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves light blue, Azurite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Schuilingite-(Nd) and vitreous to subadamantine on Azurite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves light blue, Malachite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Schuilingite-(Nd) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Schuilingite-(Nd) leaves light blue, Linarite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Schuilingite-(Nd) and vitreous to subadamantine on Linarite.
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
- CuPbNd(CO₃)₃(OH)(H₂O)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light blue
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, radial sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}; poor on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal base metal deposits
Where rockhounds find schuilingite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kasompi, Menda, and Kamoto East mines, Katanga Province, Congo (Shaba Province, Zaire)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal base metal deposits. If you start seeing gysinite-, malachite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, radial sprays. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify schuilingite-(nd)?+
Where is schuilingite-(nd) found?+
Is schuilingite-(nd) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like schuilingite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with schuilingite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does schuilingite-(nd) form in?+
What is schuilingite-(nd) used for?+
Find schuilingite-(nd) on the map
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