bastnäsite
Bastnäsite is a rare earth mineral primarily composed of cerium, lanthanum, and fluorine. It is often found in igneous rocks and is significant for its role as a source of rare earth elements, which are essential in various high-tech applications, including electronics and renewable energy technologies.
This mineral typically appears in yellow to brown colors and has a distinctive crystal structure. Bastnäsite is mined in several locations worldwide, with notable deposits in China and the United States. Its extraction and processing are crucial for meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements in modern industries.