Rare-earth mineral

This particular group of minerals contains elements that are considered rare in our planet's makeup.^[7] To be classified as a rare earth mineral, a thorough examination of the element contained within it is mandatory.^[7] If an element can be classified as a rare-earth element, it is more likely to be classified as a rare earth mineral. This information can be valuable in various settings, such as geological surveys and mineral resource assessments.^[8] A rare earth element is categorized into sixteen metallic elements.^[8] There are over 160 rare earth minerals and only four of these minerals are mined.^[9] Most rare earth minerals occur in primary and secondary deposits.^[10]

Primary deposits contain hydrothermal and igneous processes while secondary deposits are sedimentary and weathering processes.^[11] In the case of primary deposits, the minerals and metals are derived from a specific area, where the elements come together to form the deposit.^[12] This location is also where the mineral is produced.^[12] Derived elements move to a different location within secondary deposits where they undergo metamorphic or sedimentary processes, resulting in the formation of minerals.^[13] Mining extractions can benefit from the mineral processing of elemental deposits.^[14] Various methods, such as leaching and hydrothermal processes, can be employed to extract minerals.^[15] Both primary and secondary deposits yield elements and minerals for mining purposes.^[15] There are only four rare-earth minerals that are found in deposits that go through certain processes and require mining.^[16]

Bastnäsite is a carbonate mineral, that is primarily mined for its many purposes.^[17] Magnets made of bastnasite are used to create speakers, microphones, communication devices, and many other modern gadgets.^[18] This mineral is rare because it contains a large number of rare elements.^[19] This mineral can be classified as semi-soluble salt due to its limited solubility in water and capacity to form ionic bonds.^[19] Bastnäsite deposits are found in China and the USA.^[19]

 

Laterite is considered to be a soil type which holds a significant amount of aluminium and iron.^[22] This soil type can form into clay, which holds many minerals within it.^[22] The weathering of rocks under leaching and oxidation conditions results in the formation of this mineral soil, which simulates clay.^[22] The minerals within this soil are goethite, lepidocrocite, and hematite.^[22] In recognition of the weathering process that these minerals require, they are classified as rare earth minerals.^[23] In addition to these rare minerals other elements are contained within this soil like substance such as iron and nickel.^[24] Thus having a red colour like soil through the oxidation of these minerals.^[24] Basalt is the source of laterite, which is a material that contains aluminum.^[23] Its high aluminum content is the reason it is mined.^[24] This clay-like dirt also makes a stable basis for construction since it solidifies into rock when exposed to air.^[24] However, the low fertility of this soil makes it unsuitable for agricultural use.^[24]

Monazite is a waxy mineral that is formed through the crystallization of igneous rocks and the metamorphism of clastic sedimentary rocks.^[25] This mineral is typically mined in placer deposits, with gold commonly found as a byproduct.^[25] The rare earth element neodymium is found in monazite, making it a rare mineral.^[25] Moreover, monazite contains many other rare metals such as cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and samarium, making it a critical source of renewable energy.^[26] Recycled magnets can also be derived from these minerals due to the metals they contain.^[25] Monazite sand and deposits for mining are found in India, Brazil, and Australia.^[27]

Loparite is a mineral that contains three rare elements: titanium, niobium, and tantalum.^[28] This is why it is often mined, as it is considered a rare-earth mineral.^[28] The deposits for loparite can be found in Russia and Paraguay, although it is also present in other countries such as Canada, Norway, Greenland, and Brazil.^[29] However, Russia remains the primary source for mining this mineral.^[29] The significance of loparite lies in its unique properties, which make it useful for conductivity, aircraft assembly, and as a radioactive tracer.^[28]

Kyawthuite is a rare earth mineral due to its unique formation process.^[30] Unlike other minerals, it is created from a pegmatite deposit within an igneous rock.^[31] Its deep red-brown colour and high density come from the crystal assemblages within it.^[32] Its occurrence is very limited and the necessary pressure for formation is uncommon, making it quite scarce. The mineral contains lead, thallium, and oxygen that have undergone oxidation and is also composed of the rare metals bismuth and antimony.^[31] Interestingly, the mineral is named after Dr. Kyaw Thu, a former geologist at the University of Yangon who discovered it.^[31] It is found in the region of Myanmar Mogok.^[33]

Further reading

• Jones, Adrian P., Francis Wall and C. Terry Williams, eds. (1996) Rare Earth Minerals: Chemistry, Origin and Ore Deposits, The Mineralogy Society Series #7, 372 pp. ISBN 978-0-412-61030-1
• China New Policy Affect Rare Earth Price