Fergusonite-(Ce)-β

fergusonite-(Ce) beta

diopside

phlogopite

apatite

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Formula: CeNbO₄>
Multiple oxide containing the rare earth elements niobium Nb and cerium Ce, usually metamict, monoclinic paramorph of fergusonite-(Ce), which is orthorhombic, fergusonite group
Specific gravity: 5.34
Hardness: 5½ to 6½
Streak: pale rose
Colour: red, reddish brown
Solubility: Insoluble in acids (AM 62.397).
Common impurities: U,Th
Weakly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Carbonatites
Metamorphic environments

Fergusonite-(Ce)-β occurs in magnesian skarn around carbonatite-derived dolomitic marble (Webmin).

At the type locality, the Bayan Obo deposit, Baotou League, Inner Mongolia, China, fergusonite-(Ce)-β occurs in magnesian skarn around carbonatite-derived dolomitic marble, associated with diopside, phlogopite and apatite (Dana, AM 60.485).

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