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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.

US Critical Materials