Rhabdophane-(La)

rhabdophane-(La)

rhabdophane-(Nd)

opal

limonite

Images

Formula: La(PO₄).H₂O
Hydrated normal phosphate of lanthanum, rhabdophane group
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 3.94
Hardness: 3½
Streak: White
Colour: Brown, pinkish, yellowish-white
Solubility: Readily soluble in hydrochloric acid
Common impurities: Ce,Nd
Weakly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Sedimentary environments

Rhabdophane-(La) is a secondary mineral in faults cutting weathered sediments, probably derived from porphyritic granite. Associated minerals include clay minerals and opal (HOM).

Localities

At the type locality, the Scoville mine, Salisbury Mining District, Salisbury, Litchfield county, Connecticut, USA, rhabdophane-(La) occurs as encrustations in a limonitic iron ore deposit, associated with rhabdophane-(Nd) and limonite (Mindat).

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