CeLaNdThPO4

CeLaNThPO4, also known as celandite, is a rare mineral belonging to the phosphate group. It was first discovered in 1979 in the Celandine mine in the Czech Republic, from which it derives its name. The mineral is typically found in the form of small, prismatic crystals or granular masses, and is often associated with other phosphate minerals such as apatite and fluorapatite.

Celandite is a complex phosphate mineral with the chemical formula CeLaNThPO4. It is characterized by its unique composition, which includes cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), and thorium (Th). This combination of rare earth elements and thorium makes celandite a valuable specimen for collectors and researchers interested in mineralogy and geochemistry.

The mineral exhibits a pale yellow to brown color, with a vitreous luster and a hardness of approximately 5 on the Mohs scale. It is typically translucent to transparent, and its crystals often exhibit well-developed prismatic forms. Celandite is not known to exhibit any significant optical properties or fluorescence.

Celandite's rarity and unique composition make it a subject of interest for mineralogists and geologists. Its occurrence in specific geological settings and its association with other rare minerals highlight the complex processes involved in the formation of phosphate minerals. Despite its rarity, celandite remains an important contributor to our understanding of the Earth's mineralogical diversity.