About Bastnasite

Shop bastnasite HERE

Keep reading to discover more about bastnasite

• Mineralogy and geology*
• Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Bastnasite

Mineral formula: (Ce/Nd/Y/REE)(CO₃)F

Crystal system: hexagonal

Crystal habit: prismatic to fine-grained

Cleavage: Poor on {1010}

Fracture: irregular, uneven

Color: yellow to reddish brown

Luster: vitrous, greasy, or pearly

Diaphaneity: transparent to translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 4 – 4½

Streak: light blue

Specific gravity: 4.9-5.2

Named after: For the type locality at the Bastnäs mines, Riddarhyttan, Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland, Sweden

Type locality: For the type locality at the Bastnäs mines, Riddarhyttan, Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland, Sweden

Geologic occurrence: Most abundant REE mineral. Hydrothermal and primary igneous. Granitic and alkali syenites and pegmatites, carbonatites, contact metamorphic deposits, rarely in detrital deposits. Often associated with allanite, cerite, tysonite, fluorite, and tornebohmite.

____

* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.