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Euxenite

Euxenite is a rare, complex oxide mineral that contains a mix of rare earth elements (REEs) along with uranium and thorium. It is often described as a mixed oxide of REEs with actinide elements, and its exact composition varies among specimens. The mineral is commonly referred to with variety names such as euxenite-(Y) or euxenite-(Ce) to indicate the dominant rare earth element in the structure.

Euxenite forms in late-stage igneous environments, particularly granitic pegmatites, and in hydrothermal veins. It is frequently

In terms of appearance, euxenite is usually brown to black with a resinous to adamantine luster. It

Economically, euxenite has historical importance as a source of certain REEs in some localities, but it is

associated
with
other
REE
minerals
such
as
monazite
and
xenotime,
as
well
as
thorite,
uraninite,
and
zircon.
The
mineral’s
radiogenic
nature
derives
from
its
thorium
and
uranium
content,
and
samples
are
typically
weakly
to
strongly
radioactive.
may
occur
as
prismatic
to
tabular
crystals
or
as
massive
to
granular
aggregates.
The
hardness
is
modest,
and
the
mineral
has
a
relatively
high
density
due
to
its
heavy
element
content.
The
color
and
radioactivity
can
make
handling
and
analysis
require
caution.
not
a
major
ore
mineral
today
due
to
its
complex
composition
and
the
presence
of
radioactive
elements.
It
is
primarily
of
interest
to
mineral
collectors
and
researchers
studying
REE-bearing
oxide
minerals.