Agardite-(Nd)

agardite-(Nd)

zalesiite

zincolivenite

agardite

Images

Formula: NdCu2+6(AsO4)3(OH)6.3H2O
Arsenate, mixite group, neodymium-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 3.81 calculated
Hardness: 3 to 4
Streak: White, greenish white
Colour: Grass-green, greenish, greenish blue
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Mildly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Hilarion mine, Kamariza Mines, Agios Konstantinos, Lavrion Mining District, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece, agardite-(Nd) occurs in cavities of an oxidised ore, primarily goethite, and in cracks of supergene altered mica schist. The agardite-(Nd) forms acicular crystals with hexagonal cross sections, to 0.5 mm, in divergent sprays to 2 mm, typically as rims on zálesíite. Associated minerals include agardite-(Y), agardite-(La), zálesíite, zincolivenite, azurite, malachite, calcite and goethite (HOM, Mindat).
Agardite-(Nd) from the Hilarion Mine - Image

At the Big 3 Mine, Railroad Springs Mining District, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA, Aqua-blue sprays of agardite-(Nd) have been found with gemmy green spheres of conichalcite perched upon them (Mindat photo).
Agardite-(Nd) from the Big 3 Mine - Image

Back to Minerals