Bastnaesite is a mineral that is primarily composed of cerium, lanthanum, and yttrium. It is a rare earth carbonate mineral that is found in a variety of geological environments. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bastnaesite, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Bastnaesite is a mineral that is classified as a rare earth carbonate. It is typically yellow, brown, or green in color and has a vitreous luster. The mineral has a hardness of 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 4.9 to 5.2.
Origin
Bastnaesite was first discovered in 1838 in Bastnäs, Sweden. It was named after the location of its discovery. The mineral is found in a variety of geological environments, including carbonatites, pegmatites, and hydrothermal veins.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bastnaesite is defined as “a rare earth carbonate mineral Ce(La,Nd)CO3F that is a source of cerium and other rare earth elements.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bastnaesite as “a yellow or brown mineral consisting of a carbonate of cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth elements.”
Associations
Bastnaesite is often associated with other rare earth minerals, such as monazite and xenotime. It is also found in association with other minerals, including calcite, fluorite, and barite.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for bastnaesite.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for bastnaesite.
The same root words
Bastnaesite is derived from the name of the location where it was first discovered, Bastnäs, Sweden.
Example Sentences
- The mine produced large quantities of bastnaesite, which is a valuable source of rare earth elements.
- Bastnaesite is often found in association with other rare earth minerals.
- The hardness of bastnaesite makes it a difficult mineral to mine and process.