Ceriumbearing

Ceriumbearing refers to minerals or geological formations that contain cerium, a chemical element and a rare-earth metal. Cerium, with the symbol Ce and atomic number 58, is the most abundant of the rare-earth elements. It is found in various minerals, often in combination with other rare-earth elements. Common ceriumbearing minerals include monazite, bastnäsite, and allanite. These minerals are typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and in sedimentary deposits derived from the weathering of these rocks.

Monazite is a phosphate mineral that often contains significant amounts of cerium. Bastnäsite is a fluoride carbonate mineral that is another major source of cerium. Allanite is a complex silicate mineral belonging to the epidote group, which also incorporates cerium. The concentration of cerium in these minerals can vary widely, influencing their economic viability as sources for the element.

The geological occurrence of ceriumbearing minerals is often associated with specific rock types, such as alkaline intrusions and carbonatites. Large deposits are found in various locations globally, including China, the United States, Australia, and India. The extraction and processing of cerium from these minerals are complex due to the presence of other rare-earth elements, which have similar chemical properties. Cerium has numerous applications, including in catalysts, lighting, and alloys.