142Nd

142Nd is a stable isotope of the lanthanide element neodymium (Nd), with an atomic number of 60 and a mass number of 142. It contains 60 protons and 82 neutrons and is one of the seven naturally occurring neodymium isotopes, contributing a substantial portion of natural neodymium.

As an even-even nucleus (both Z and N are even), 142Nd has a 0+ ground state and does not undergo radioactive decay under normal conditions. It occurs naturally in Earth's crust within neodymium-bearing minerals such as monazite and bastnasite, and is present in the overall isotopic mix of natural neodymium. Isotopic compositions are measured using high-precision mass spectrometry for geochemical and cosmochemical studies.

142Nd plays a role in isotopic research related to the Sm-Nd system. In cosmochemistry and geology, variations in 142Nd relative to other Nd isotopes can provide information about early solar system differentiation and mantle-crust evolution, reflecting historical decay of short-lived 146Sm to 142Nd. While 142Nd itself is stable and not used as a radiometric dating target, its relative abundance helps constrain models of planetary differentiation and the timing of early planetary processes.

In summary, 142Nd is a stable, naturally abundant isotope of neodymium with a 0+ ground state, significant for geochemical and cosmochemical investigations rather than direct radiometric dating.