Monazite-(Nd)
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| Monazite-(Nd) | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Phosphate mineral |
| Formula | NdPO4 |
| IMA symbol | Mnz-Nd[1] |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Crystal class | Prismatic: 2/m |
| Space group | P21/n |
| Unit cell | a = 6.745, b = 6.964, c = 6.435 [Å]; β = β = 103.65◦ |
| Identification | |
| References | [2][3] |
Monazite-(Nd) is a relatively rare representative of the monazite group, with neodymium being the dominant rare earth element in its structure. This variety of monazite is typically colored bright rose-red. It is the neodymium analogue of monazite-(Ce), monazite-(La), and monazite-(Sm).[4] The group contains simple rare earth phosphate minerals with the general formula of ATO4, where A = Ce, La, Nd, or Sm (or, rarely, Bi), and B = P or, rarely, As. The A site may also bear Ca and Th.[5]