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Gadolinite-(y)

Gadolinite-(Y)

A species of Minerals, Also known as Ytterbite

Gadolinite, sometimes known as ytterbite, is a silicate mineral consisting principally of the silicates of cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, yttrium, beryllium, and iron with the formula (Ce,La,Nd,Y)2FeBe2Si2O10. It is called gadolinite-(Ce) or gadolinite-(Y), depending on the prominent composing element (Y if yttrium predominates, and Ce if cerium). It may contain 35.5% yttria sub-group rare earths, 2.2% ceria earths, as much as to 11.6% BeO, and traces of thorium. It is found in Sweden, Norway, and the US (Texas and Colorado).

Hardness:

6.5 - 7

Density:

4.41 g/cm³

General Info About Gadolinite-(y)

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Physical Properties of Gadolinite-(y)

Colors

Black, greenish-black, brown

Streak

Grayish green

Hardness

6.5 - 7 , Hard

Density

4.41 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Gadolinite-(y)

Formula

Y₂Fe²⁺Be₂Si₂O₁₀

Often slightly radioactive due to minor U and/or Th contents; therefore often metamict.

Elements listed

Be, Fe, O, Si, Y

Characteristics of Gadolinite-(y)

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Characteristics of Gadolinite-(y)

Gadolinite is fairly rare and typically occurs as well-formed crystals. It is nearly black in color and has a vitreous luster. The hardness is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, and the specific gravity is between 4.0 and 4.7. It fractures in a conchoidal pattern and streaks grayish-green. It was also thought to exhibit pyrognomic properties, as it can emit visible light when heated to relatively low temperatures, but the scientific consensus is that this is the product of thermoluminescence

Cultural Significance of Gadolinite-(y)

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Uses of Gadolinite-(y)

Gadolinite and euxenite are quite abundant and are future sources of yttrium sub group rare earths. At present, these elements are recovered from monazite concentrates (after recovery of ceria sub-group metals).

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