LANTHANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Lanthanite is a mineral that falls under the category of rare-earth carbonates. It is a specific form of the mineral cerium carbonate, which is part of a broader group of minerals known as the cerium minerals. Lanthanite usually occurs as a secondary mineral, forming in the oxidized portions of cerium-rich pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and alteration zones in igneous rocks.
In terms of its physical properties, lanthanite typically crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and is commonly found in the form of thin, tabular, or prismatic crystals. Its color can vary, ranging from light yellow to pale green or gray, and it often displays a vitreous to pearly luster on its crystal surfaces. The mineral has a relatively low hardness, ranking around 3 on the Mohs hardness scale.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of lanthanite is its composition. It consists primarily of cerium carbonate, with potential traces of other rare-earth elements such as lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium. Due to its rarity and importance as a source of rare-earth elements, lanthanite has garnered interest in the field of research and industry. It is strongly associated with the occurrence of various economically valuable rare-earth elements, which are vital in a range of technological applications including electronics, magnets, and catalysts.
Overall, lanthanite is a significant mineral due to its composition and associations with rare-earth elements, making it a subject of scientific study and investigation.
Common Misspellings for LANTHANITE
- kanthanite
- panthanite
- oanthanite
- lznthanite
- lsnthanite
- lwnthanite
- lqnthanite
- labthanite
- lamthanite
- lajthanite
- lahthanite
- lanrhanite
- lanfhanite
- langhanite
- lanyhanite
- lan6hanite
- lan5hanite
- lantganite
- lantbanite
Etymology of LANTHANITE
The word "lanthanite" is derived from the name of the element "lanthanum" and the suffix "-ite".
"Lanthanum" comes from the Greek word "lanthanein", which means "to be hidden". It was named so because the element was quite challenging to separate from other minerals in the early stages of its discovery.
The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate a compound or mineral. Hence, when combined, "lanthanum" and "-ite" form the word "lanthanite" to refer to a mineral compound containing lanthanum.
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