Swamboite-(Nd) is a rare secondary uranium mineral found primarily at the Swambo deposit in the Congo. It typically forms delicate, yellow-orange platy crystals or radiating sprays within uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits. Due to its radioactive nature and extreme rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced radioactive mineral collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Swamboite-(Nd)

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kasolite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Kasolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Swamboite-(Nd) leaves pale yellow, Kasolite leaves yellow; luster reads pearly on Swamboite-(Nd) and greasy on Kasolite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Swamboite-(Nd) leaves pale yellow, Soddyite leaves yellow; luster reads pearly on Swamboite-(Nd) and vitreous on Soddyite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Swamboite-(Nd) leaves pale yellow, Boltwoodite leaves yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside swamboite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Nd,Sm,Gd)₅(UO₂)₂(SiO₄)₄(OH)₃·13H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.85 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find swamboite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Swambo deposit, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where swamboite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, kasolite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swamboite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange.

Where is swamboite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Swambo deposit, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is swamboite-(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 swamboite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive due to its uranium content and poses potential chemical toxicity risks. Handle with gloves, wash hands thoroughly after contact, and store in a lead-lined or sealed container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like swamboite-(nd)?+

Swamboite-(Nd) is most often confused with Kasolite, Soddyite, Boltwoodite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Swamboite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Kasolite, Quartz, Curite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Swamboite-(Nd) typically forms in uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is swamboite-(nd) used for?+

Swamboite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find swamboite-(nd) on the map

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