Tundrite-(Nd) is a rare silicate-carbonate mineral primarily found in the complex alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It typically occurs as small, tabular, or platy crystals associated with other rare earth minerals in pegmatite veins.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTundrite Group family

Tundrite-(Nd)

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this tundrite-(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 tundrite-(nd) with a known reference. Tundrite-(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. Tundrite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tundrite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, thin plates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Lorenzenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4-5); luster reads vitreous on Tundrite-(Nd) and adamantine on Lorenzenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside tundrite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ce₂Ti₂SiO₄(CO₃)₂O₂
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Thin Plates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tundrite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Lovozero Massif, Russia
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify tundrite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.

Where is tundrite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is tundrite-(nd) worth?+

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

What rocks look like tundrite-(nd)?+

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

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

Tundrite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Microcline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is tundrite-(nd) used for?+

Tundrite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find tundrite-(nd) on the map

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