Monazite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameMonazite
Chemical Formula(Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO₄
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {100}, poor on {010} and {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity4.6
Colorsyellow, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalitySiglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Bolivia
Mineral Groupphosphates
Usessource of rare earth elements, source of thorium
Associated Mineralshübnerite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a yellowish, prismatic monazite crystal, appearing translucent, nestled within a matrix of clear to milky quartz crystals.
Geological Context
Monazite is typically found as an accessory mineral in granites, pegmatites, and other igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is also concentrated in placer deposits due to its high density and resistance to weathering.
