Ndbearing

Ndbearing is a descriptive term used to denote materials or minerals that contain neodymium (Nd). It is not a discrete substance or compound, but a characterization applied in geology, mineralology, and materials science to indicate the presence of Nd within a sample.

In geology and mineralogy, Nd-bearing minerals are important sources of rare earth elements. Common examples include monazite and xenotime, which host neodymium in phosphate- and phosphate-like structures. Nd isotope data from these minerals are used for geochronology and to study crustal evolution.

In materials science, the term also describes Nd-containing alloys and compounds used in magnetics. The most notable is the Nd-Fe-B family, or neodymium magnets, with Nd2Fe14B as the principal phase. These magnets provide high energy density and are widely used in electronics, motors, and other applications requiring strong permanent magnets.

Applications of Nd-bearing materials span consumer electronics, electric motors, wind turbines, medical devices, and other technologies that rely on efficient magnets and rare earth supplies. Extraction and processing of Nd-bearing minerals raise environmental and socio-economic considerations, including supply-chain concentration for rare earths and issues related to radiological, chemical, and waste management during processing.

Ndbearing is not a formal technical classification, but a descriptive usage indicating neodymium content. Related topics include neodymium, Nd-Fe-B magnets, and common Nd-bearing minerals such as monazite and xenotime.