Researchers find new way to locate untapped rare earths deposits worldwide – MINING.COM – MINING.com

When inspecting rock samples from the Vergenoeg fluorite mine in South Africa, they discovered that fayalite crystals in the sediment of granite-like magma can contain large amounts of heavy rare earth elements. The mineral, which is reddish-brown to black in colour, is mainly mined for use as a gemstone and is also used for sandblasting. Fayalite can be found worldwide in igneous rock and abyssal rocks.
Fayalite crystals in the sediment of granite-like magma can contain large amounts of heavy rare…

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