XENOTIME Meaning and
Definition
-
Xenotime is a rare earth phosphate mineral that belongs to the monazite group. It has the chemical formula YPO4, where Y represents yttrium, a rare earth element. Xenotime usually contains trace amounts of other rare earth elements, such as erbium, gadolinium, and dysprosium. It forms as tabular or prismatic crystals, often found in granitic pegmatites, high-temperature hydrothermal veins, and igneous rocks. The mineral can also occur as detrital grains in sedimentary deposits.
Xenotime has a distinctive orthorhombic crystal structure and typically exhibits colors ranging from brownish-yellow to reddish-brown. It has a high specific gravity, ranging from approximately 4.4 to 5.1, and a hardness of 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale. Xenotime is resistant to weathering and has a vitreous to resinous luster.
Due to its rare earth content, xenotime has garnered interest for its potential economic significance. Yttrium and other rare earth elements are valuable for their various uses in technology, including electronics, magnets, lasers, and catalysts. Additionally, xenotime may serve as a valuable source of uranium and thorium, which have applications in nuclear energy.
In summary, xenotime is a rare mineral primarily composed of yttrium phosphate. It possesses a distinct crystal structure, varying in color from brownish-yellow to reddish-brown. Xenotime is notable for its rare earth element content, with potential uses in technological applications and as a source of uranium and thorium.
Common Misspellings for XENOTIME
- zenotime
- cenotime
- denotime
- senotime
- xwnotime
- xsnotime
- xdnotime
- xrnotime
- x4notime
- x3notime
- xebotime
- xemotime
- xejotime
- xehotime
- xenitime
- xenktime
- xenltime
- xenptime
- xen0time
Etymology of XENOTIME
The word "xenotime" comes from the Greek words "xenos" meaning "strange" or "foreign", and "timē" meaning "honor" or "value". It was named as such because when it was first discovered, its composition was different from other known minerals at the time. Therefore, "xenotime" literally means "foreign honor" or "strange value", referring to its unusual or distinct nature.
Similar spelling words for XENOTIME
- Saintdom,
- CENTAM,
- sundheim,
- santimi,
- centiem,
- seoundum,
- CINTM,
- xantham,
- zaandam,
- sentimo,
- santim,
- SNTM-HYPROC,
- centimo,
- santimu,
- sondheim,
- SYNATOM,
- xanthoma,
- SCIENDUM,
- TNTM/SNTM,
- sanetomo,
- santhome,
- SANTAM,
- cionotomy,
- zonetime,
- centime,
- CENADEM,
- cionotome,
- centum,
- Syntomy,
- sandom.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
