Synchysite-(Ce)

Synchysite-(Ce) is a rare earth carbonate mineral that belongs to the carbonate group. It is named after its chemical composition, which includes cerium (Ce), and its relationship to the mineral synchysite.

Description

Synchysite-(Ce) is a yellowish to brownish mineral that forms in small, tabular crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 and a specific gravity of 3.8. The mineral is transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster. It is typically found in pegmatites and carbonatites, as well as in hydrothermal veins.

Chemical Composition

The chemical formula of synchysite-(Ce) is (Ce,La,Nd,Y)Ca(CO3)2F. This indicates that it contains cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), yttrium (Y), calcium (Ca), carbon (C), oxygen (O), and fluorine (F).

Occurrence

Synchysite-(Ce) is found in various locations around the world, including Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Canada, and the United States. It is often associated with other rare earth minerals such as bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime.

Uses

Due to its high content of rare earth elements, synchysite-(Ce) is of interest for potential economic extraction. These elements are used in a variety of high-tech applications, including electronics, magnets, and lasers.

See Also

• List of minerals
• Rare earth element
• Carbonate minerals

References

• Mineralogical Society of America, 1980, American Mineralogist, Volume 65, pages 624-629
• Anthony, J.W., et al (1995). Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 398.

External Links

• Mindat.org - Synchysite-(Ce)
• Webmineral.com - Synchysite-(Ce)