Glossary

Allanite

A mineral containing rare-earth elements (REEs) and other metals, such as aluminium, iron, and calcium. It is commonly found in metamorphic rocks.
Ancylite

A carbonate mineral that contains REEs and calcium. It is found in carbonatite rocks.
Carbonatite dikes

A type of intrusive igneous rock composed primarily of carbonate minerals. Carbonatite dikes are known to contain high concentrations of REEs.
Carbonatite dikes in the Sheep Creek

This refers to a specific location in the Sheep Creek geological formation in the state of Wyoming, USA, where carbonatite dikes containing REEs have been identified.
Carbonatites

Igneous rocks composed mainly of carbonate minerals, which can contain high concentrations of REEs.
Cerium

A silvery-white metal that belongs to the REE group. It is widely used in the manufacture of alloys, glass, and electronics.
Chondrite

A type of stony meteorite that contains REEs.
Columbite

A black mineral that contains niobium, tantalum, and other elements, including some REEs.
Dysprosium

A silvery-white metal that belongs to the REE group. It is used in the production of high-strength magnets, nuclear reactor control rods, and other applications.
Europium

A silvery-white metal that belongs to the REE group. It is used in the production of fluorescent lamps, LCD screens, and other applications.
Fenitization

The alteration of rocks by fluids containing alkali metals and carbonates, resulting in the formation of feldspathoids and other minerals, including some that contain REEs.
Gadolinium

A silvery-white metal that belongs to the REE group. It is used in the production of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and other applications.
Gallium

A soft, silvery metal that is often found in trace amounts in REE-containing minerals. It is used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic devices.
Lanthanum

A silvery-white metal that belongs to the REE group. It is used in the production of hybrid vehicle batteries, catalysts, and other applications.
Monazite

A reddish-brown phosphate mineral containing rare earth metals such as cerium and lanthanum, as well as thorium and other elements.
Neodymium

A rare earth element used to make powerful magnets for applications such as electric motors, wind turbines, and hard disk drives.
Niobium

A metallic element that is often found in association with rare earths and is used in high-strength steel alloys, superconductors, and other applications.
Phlogopite

A type of mica mineral that can contain small amounts of rare earth elements.
Praseodymium

A rare earth element used in certain types of magnets, as well as in the production of glass and ceramics.
Rare-earth

A group of 17 metallic elements with unique electronic and magnetic properties that are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, green energy technologies, and defence systems.
Rare-earth oxide grades (TREO)

The total percentage of rare-earth oxides (REOs) in a sample of rare earth minerals, typically expressed as a percentage of the total sample weight.
Scandium

A rare earth element with a variety of industrial and scientific applications, including in aerospace alloys, high-performance sports equipment, and lighting technology.
Strontium

A metallic element that is sometimes found in association with rare earths and has applications in pyrotechnics, medical imaging, and other fields.
TREE (total rare earth elements)

The total amount of rare earth elements present in a sample of ore or other material, expressed as a weight percentage.
Yttrium

A rare earth element used in a variety of applications, including phosphors for lighting, ceramics, and superconductors.