Shabaite-(Nd) is an extremely rare carbonate mineral first discovered in the Katanga region of the Congo. It typically forms delicate, yellow, platy crystals that are often found associated with other rare earth carbonates and secondary uranium minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareShabaite Group family

Shabaite-(Nd)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this shabaite-(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 shabaite-(nd) with a known reference. Shabaite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shabaite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shabaite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Astrophyllite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Shabaite-(Nd) leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Shabaite-(Nd) and submetallic on Astrophyllite.

Compare →

Often found alongside shabaite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(Nd,Sm,Gd)₂(UO₂)(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright White or Pale Yellow Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-copper Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find shabaite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify shabaite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is shabaite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is shabaite-(nd) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is shabaite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, use protective gloves, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store away from inhabited areas in a labeled, lead-lined, or shielded container. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shabaite-(nd)?+

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

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

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

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

Shabaite-(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 shabaite-(nd) used for?+

Shabaite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find shabaite-(nd) on the map

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