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.
Is this wakefieldite-(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 wakefieldite-(nd) with a known reference. Wakefieldite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wakefieldite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wakefieldite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, slightly reddish pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Wakefieldite-(Nd) leaves white, Wakefieldite-(Ce) leaves rust-brown.
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
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Prismatic Crystals, Pulverulent
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Carbonatites
Where rockhounds find wakefieldite-(nd)
Classic worldwide localities
- Arase mine, Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku, southwest Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and carbonatites country, 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)?+
Where is wakefieldite-(nd) found?+
What rocks look like wakefieldite-(nd)?+
What minerals are found with wakefieldite-(nd)?+
What kind of rock does wakefieldite-(nd) form in?+
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Find wakefieldite-(nd) on the map
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