Fergusonite-(Nd)
Valid as an unnamed mineral
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About Fergusonite-(Nd)
Robert Ferguson
Formula:
NdNbO4
Hardness:
5½ - 6½
Name:
For its relation to fergusonite-(Y), and its dominant neodymium content. Named after Robert Ferguson (8 September 1769 – 3 December 1840, London, England), Scottish landowner, politician and mineral collector.
Originally described from Bayan Obo (Bayun-Obo; Baiyunebo) deposit, Bayan Obo, Darhan Muminggan United Banner, Baotou League, Nei Mongol Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia), China.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1479
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1479:9
Similar Names
| Fergusonite | A synonym | |
| Fergusonite-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species - questionable | CeNbO4 · 0.3H2O |
| Fergusonite-(Y) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | YNbO4 |
| Fergusonite-β-(Nd) | A synonym of Clinofergusonite-(Nd) | |
| Fergusonite-β-(Y) | ||
| β-Fergusonite | ||
| β-Fergusonite-(Ce) | A synonym of Clinofergusonite-(Ce) | |
| β-Fergusonite-(Y) | A synonym of Clinofergusonite-(Y) |
IMA Classification of Fergusonite-(Nd)
IMA status notes:
Unnamed (probably valid)
Approval history:
Unnamed, but probably valid.
Never submitted to the IMA.
Never submitted to the IMA.
Classification of Fergusonite-(Nd)
7.GA.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
A : Without additional anions or H2O
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
A : Without additional anions or H2O
8.1.1.4
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
1 : ABO4
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
1 : ABO4
18.2.5
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
Physical Properties of Fergusonite-(Nd)
Hardness:
5½ - 6½ on Mohs scale
Optical Data of Fergusonite-(Nd)
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 2.3 nε = 2.2
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.100
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Chemistry of Fergusonite-(Nd)
Mindat Formula:
NdNbO4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Synonyms of Fergusonite-(Nd)
Fergusonite (in part)
Other Language Names for Fergusonite-(Nd)
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Ferriallanite-(Ce) | (CaCe)(Fe3+AlFe2+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
| 2 photos of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Fergusonite-(Y) | YNbO4 |
| 1 photo of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Hingganite-(Nd) | Nd2◻Be2Si2O8(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Calcioancylite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca,Sr)CO3(OH,H2O) |
| 1 photo of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 1 photo of Fergusonite-(Nd) associated with Ferri-winchite | ◻(NaCa)(Mg4Fe3+)Si8O22(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.GA. | Yunhaoite | K2(MoO4) |
| 7.GA.05 | Ronpetersonite | BaWO4 |
| 7.GA.05 | Fergusonite-(Ce) | CeNbO4 · 0.3H2O |
| 7.GA.05 | Fergusonite-(Y) | YNbO4 |
| 7.GA.05 | Powellite | Ca(MoO4) |
| 7.GA.05 | Stolzite | Pb(WO4) |
| 7.GA.05 | Suseinargiuite | NaBi(MoO4)2 |
| 7.GA.05 | Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
| 7.GA.05 | Scheelite | Ca(WO4) |
| 7.GA.10 | Formanite-(Y) | YTaO4 |
| 7.GA.10 | Iwashiroite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Nb)O4 |
| 7.GA.15 | Paraniite-(Y) | Ca2Y(AsO4)(WO4)2 |
| 7.GA.20 | Takanawaite-(Y) | YTaO4 |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Fergusonite-(Nd)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1479.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Fergusonite-(Nd)
Reference List:
Localities for Fergusonite-(Nd)
Showing 7 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
China | |
| Qing-chang (1981) |
| Zhang Peishan et al. (1996) | |
Mongolia | |
| complex evolution of REE-Nb minerals. Acta Geologica Polonica (3) +1 other reference |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2012) +2 other references | |
Russia | |
| Koneva A.A. et al. (2010) |
| Mills et al. (2012) | |
South Africa | |
| Giebel et al. (2017) |
Ust'-Biraya, Biraya Fe-REE ore occurrence, Biraya and Bya Rivers confluence area, Vitim Plateau, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia