Published: Monday, May 20, 2020
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Trinity College Dublin
Textures of symplectite found in synthetic rocks that contain rare earth oxide and carbonate minerals. Credit: Global Challenges (2024). DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400074
Researchers from Trinity University have revealed that a variety of factors affect the genesis and chemical composition of rare earth carbonates and bastnasite, both essential for today’s technology industry.
In an article published in Global Challenges International Journal, their work reveals a new depth of understanding in this field that was previously unexplored. The findings, taken together, represent a significant advance and will reshape how we understand rare earth mineral formation.
This research has a wide range of industrial and environmental implications. It is important because the global demand for rare-earth elements will continue to increase, largely due to the increasing demand for mobile phones, speakers, and batteries.
The new research shows that contrary to previous assumptions, the process of bastnasite formation–the most important rare earth mineral used by industry- is not straightforward but rather driven by an extremely complex interplay between multiple factors.
Under hydrothermal temperatures ranging from 21degC up to 210degC, the experimental approach studied the interaction of solutions containing rare earth elements with common calcium-magnesium minerals such as calcite and aragonite. The team used two types of solutions: one with the same concentration of rare earth elements, and one that simulated concentrations typical to hydrothermal fluids on Earth.
Researchers have found that the common calcium-magnesium-carbonate minerals change chemical composition and structure when they react with fluids rich in rare earths. They form a variety of minerals containing rare earths with exotic names such as lanthanite and kozoite.
It is interesting to note that different solutions lead to different outcomes. For example, equal concentration solutions promote bastnasite and kozoite crystallization while maintaining similar rare earths proportions in both solids and solutions.
Hydrothermal fluids that mimic those found on Earth produce minerals containing rare earths with a variety of elemental compositions. Some of these go through decarbonation due to rare earth oxides.
The experiments demonstrate the dynamic nature of rare-earth mineral formation. Over time, unstable minerals transform into more stable ones, sometimes resulting in textures that are influenced by the reactions of adjacent minerals, which further highlights the complexity of this process.
This research has implications that go far beyond the lab. Geologists and the industry will benefit greatly from understanding the complex processes that lead to bastnasite’s formation. The research shows that advanced simulation models are needed to allow scientists to mimic natural conditions and explore alternatives methods of mineral extraction or synthesis.
The insights gained from this study, while still challenging, open up the possibility of new experimental protocols for understanding the fate and concentrations of rare earths in complex geological ore.
Melanie Maddin, Ph.D. The lead author of the study is Melanie Maddin, Ph.D. She stated, “These results challenge the models previously used to form rare earth minerals.”
Our research shows that the crystallization paths, mineral formation kinetics and chemical texture are dependent on many factors including rare earth concentrations and ionic radius, temperature, time and host grain solubility.
Juan Diego Rodriguez Blancco, Professor at Trinity’s School of Natural Sciences and Principal Investigator of this research group, stressed the importance of these findings for understanding bastnasite mineralogy in general, as well as the formation of bastnasite.
Dr. Rodriguez-Blanco is a funded researcher in iCRAG, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Center in Applied Geosciences. He said: “This study opens up new avenues of research in geochemistry, mineralogy and paving the path for a better understanding of mineral formation process.”
For more information, please visit:
Melanie Maddin, et. al., Chemical Textures On Rare Earth Carbonates: A Experimental Approach To Mimic The Formation Of Bastnasite. Global Challenges 2024. DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400074
Citation:
Research reveals extreme complexity of formation of rare earth minerals vital to tech industry (2024, 20 May)
Retrieved 20 May 2024
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Source: Phys.org