Synchysite-(Nd) is a rare rare-earth element carbonate typically occurring as small, tabular, yellowish-pale grayish blue crystals. It is most often found in alkaline pegmatites or carbonatites and is highly prized by micromounters for its distinct crystal habit.
Is this synchysite-(nd)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch synchysite-(nd) with a known reference. Synchysite-(Nd) sits at Mohs ~1, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light violet, light gray blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates.
Often confused with
Synchysite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Synchysite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. ~1); luster reads dull on Synchysite-(Nd) and vitreous to subadamantine, may be greasy on Synchysite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Bastnäsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. ~1); luster reads dull on Synchysite-(Nd) and vitreous to greasy on Bastnäsite.
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
- ~1
- Density
- 4.21 g/cm³
- Colors
- Light violetLight gray blue
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- An authigenic minerals in cement in sandstone (Holičky deposit, Czech Republic); filling cavities in the base of a bauxite deposit in contact with limestone (Grebnik deposit, Yugoslavia)
Where rockhounds find synchysite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Holičky deposit, near Česká Lípa, Czech Republic
- Grebnik bauxite deposit, Serbia, Yugoslavia
- Pyörönmaa pegmatite, Kangasala, Finland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An authigenic minerals in cement in sandstone (Holičky deposit, Czech Republic); filling cavities in the base of a bauxite deposit in contact with limestone (Grebnik deposit, Yugoslavia). If you start seeing florencite-, sphalerite, manganoan siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify synchysite-(nd)?+
Where is synchysite-(nd) found?+
What rocks look like synchysite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with synchysite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does synchysite-(nd) form in?+
What is synchysite-(nd) used for?+
Find synchysite-(nd) on the map
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