Bastnasite 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. The mineral typically appears as yellow to brownish crystals and is mined in several locations around the world.
The most notable deposits of bastnasite are located in California, USA, and China. The extraction and processing of bastnasite are crucial for producing rare earth metals, which are used in the manufacturing of magnets, batteries, and catalysts. As demand for these technologies grows, bastnasite remains an important mineral in the global market.