Fergusonite-(Nd)-β

minerals

riebeckite

ilmenite

bastnasite

Images
Formula: NdNbO₄
Multiple oxide containing the rare earth elements niobium Nb and neodymium Nd, usually metamict, fergusonite group
Specific gravity: 6.45
Hardness: 5½ to 6½
Streak: pale brown
Colour: red, brownish red, yellowish brown
Common impurities: U,Th
Weakly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Carbonatites
Metamorphic environments

Fergusonite-(Nd)-β occurs in sodium-metasomatized carbonatite-derived dolomitic marble (Webmin).

Localities

At the type locality, the West Mine, Bayan Obo deposit, Baotou League, Inner Mongolia, China, fergusonite-(Nd)-β occurs in a niobium-rare earth deposit in riebeckitised dolomite associated with riebeckite, ferroan dolomite, biotite, magnetite, monazite, bastnäsite, aeschynite-(Nd), ilmenite, pyrite and fergusonite-(Ce) (Dana, AM 69.406-407).

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