Bastnäsite is a rare earth carbonate mineral that is found in several locations around the world. It is an important source of rare earth elements, which are used in a variety of modern technologies. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bastnäsite, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Bastnäsite is a mineral that is composed of cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth elements. It has the chemical formula (Ce, La)CO3F and is a member of the carbonate mineral group. It is typically found in carbonate-rich igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins.
Origin
Bastnäsite was first discovered in the Bastnäs mine in Sweden in 1838. The mineral was named after the mine, which is located in the Västmanland province. Since then, bastnäsite has been found in several locations around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, and Australia.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, bastnäsite is defined as “a rare earth carbonate mineral (Ce, La)CO3F that is a source of cerium and other rare earth elements.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bastnäsite as “a mineral consisting of a carbonate of cerium and other rare earth elements, used as a source of rare earths.”
Associations
Bastnäsite is associated with a variety of industrial and technological applications. Rare earth elements, which are extracted from bastnäsite, are used in the production of permanent magnets, catalytic converters, and lighting phosphors. They are also used in the manufacture of electronics, such as smartphones and laptops.
In addition, bastnäsite is associated with the mining industry. The extraction of rare earth elements from bastnäsite requires specialized mining techniques and equipment.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for bastnäsite, including:
- Bastnaesite.
- Bastnasite-(Ce).
- Bastnasite-(La).
- Bastnasite-(Y).
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bastnäsite, as it is a specific mineral. However, other minerals may be used as substitutes for bastnäsite in certain applications.
The same root words
Bastnäsite is derived from the name of the Bastnäs mine in Sweden, where the mineral was first discovered. There are no other words in English that share the same root as bastnäsite.
Example Sentences
- The mining company is extracting rare earth elements from bastnäsite deposits in Canada.
- The smartphone manufacturer relies on bastnäsite as a source of rare earth metals for its products.
- Bastnäsite is a valuable mineral for its high concentration of rare earth elements.