Synchysite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate typically occurring as small, tabular, yellowish-brown crystals. It is most often found in alkaline pegmatites or carbonatites and is highly prized by micromounters for its distinct crystal habit.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSynchysite Group family

Synchysite-(Nd)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this synchysite-(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 synchysite-(nd) with a known reference. Synchysite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Synchysite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Synchysite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside synchysite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaNd(CO₃)₂F
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-200 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find synchysite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Burpala massif, Russia
Narssârssuk, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where synchysite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify synchysite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is synchysite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Burpala massif, Russia; Narssârssuk, Greenland.

How much is synchysite-(nd) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like synchysite-(nd)?+

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

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

Synchysite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Fluorite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Synchysite-(Nd) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is synchysite-(nd) used for?+

Synchysite-(Nd) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find synchysite-(nd) on the map

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