BASTNASITE Meaning and
Definition
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Bastnasite is a noun that refers to a rare-earth fluorocarbonate mineral that consists mainly of cerium, lanthanum, and other rare-earth elements. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and is typically found in metamorphic rocks, especially carbonatites. The mineral was first discovered in the Bastnäs mine in Sweden, from which it derives its name.
Bastnasite is known for its distinctive yellow to brown color and has a resinous or vitreous luster. It is usually translucent, but some specimens can be transparent. This mineral is commonly found alongside other rare-earth minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and allanite. It has a relatively high density, ranging from 4.9 to 5.7 grams per cubic centimeter.
The primary commercial significance of bastnasite lies in its abundance of rare-earth elements. These elements are vital in numerous technological applications, including electronic devices, magnets, lasers, and catalysts. Due to its economic importance, bastnasite is extensively mined in countries such as China, the United States, and Australia.
In summary, bastnasite is a rare-earth fluorocarbonate mineral that contains cerium, lanthanum, and other rare-earth elements. It is prized for its industrial value in various high-tech applications. Its name originates from the Bastnäs mine in Sweden, where it was first discovered.
Common Misspellings for BASTNASITE
- vastnasite
- nastnasite
- hastnasite
- gastnasite
- bzstnasite
- bsstnasite
- bwstnasite
- bqstnasite
- baatnasite
- baztnasite
- baxtnasite
- badtnasite
- baetnasite
- bawtnasite
- basrnasite
- basfnasite
- basgnasite
- basynasite
- bas6nasite
Etymology of BASTNASITE
The word "bastnasite" is derived from the Bastnäs mine in Bastnäs, Sweden, where the mineral was first discovered in the early 1800s. The name of the mine, in turn, comes from the old Swedish term "bastnäsjärn" or "bastnässtål", which means "bast furnace iron" or "bastness steel". This is because the mine was historically known for its iron ore deposits, and "bastnäs" referred to the area where the iron was smelted. When the mineral bastnasite was found at this location, it was named after the mine due to its association with the locality.
Similar spelling word for BASTNASITE
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