Monazite

Introduction: Monazite contains rare earth elements (REE's), with characteristically yellow to orange crystals. REEs can be used in nuclear reactors, the aerospace industry, to strengthen steel and as polishing agents for certain types of light, glass and electronic and magnetic parts.

Distribution: Farm Eureka 99, 38km west of Usakos, the Rössing deposit and in the Erongo pegmatites.

Composition: Phosphate.

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Lustre: Resinous, waxy

Streak: White to pale yellow

Hardness: 5.5-6