Wakefieldite-(Nd) is a rare vanadate mineral typically found as tiny, secondary crusts or microscopic prismatic crystals. It is a member of the xenotime group and is most easily identified through laboratory analysis given its resemblance to other rare-earth vanadates. Collectors usually find it as sparse coatings in hydrothermal occurrences or rare-earth rich pegmatites.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareWakefieldite Series family

Wakefieldite-(Nd)

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

Is this wakefieldite-(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 wakefieldite-(nd) with a known reference. Wakefieldite-(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. Wakefieldite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wakefieldite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, tan, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic prismatic crystals, pulverulent.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zircon

Mohs 7.5

How to tell apart: Zircon is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 4-5); luster reads vitreous on Wakefieldite-(Nd) and adamantine on Zircon.

Often found alongside wakefieldite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Nd(VO₄)
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 5.3-5.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Tan Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic Prismatic Crystals, Pulverulent
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins and Carbonatites
Typical price: $50-300+ for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find wakefieldite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Wakefield, Quebec, Canada
Mina El Hamman, Morocco
Silesia, Poland

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins and carbonatites country — that is the host setting where wakefieldite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic prismatic crystals, pulverulent habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wakefieldite-(nd)?+

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

Where is wakefieldite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Wakefield, Quebec, Canada; Mina El Hamman, Morocco; Silesia, Poland.

How much is wakefieldite-(nd) worth?+

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

What rocks look like wakefieldite-(nd)?+

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

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

Wakefieldite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Apatite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is wakefieldite-(nd) used for?+

Wakefieldite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find wakefieldite-(nd) on the map

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