Monazite

Name:
Monazite
Detailed information:
A natural phosphate of the rare-earth metals, principally the cerium and lanthanide metals, usually with some thorium. Yttrium, calcium, iron, and silica are frequently present. Monazite sand is the crude natural material and is usually purified from other minerals before entering commerce.

Properties:

Yellowish to reddish-brown color, vitreous to resinous luster, white streak. Mohs hardness 5–5.5, d 4.9–5.3.

Occurrence:

North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Florida, Brazil, India, Australia, Canada.

Use:

Source of thorium, cerium, and other rare-earth metals and compounds.