Mineral description : Monazite

Monazite in quartz from Godkärra.
Monazite crystal in quartz and feldspar from Godkärra.

Mineral class Phosphates : Monazite - Xenotime group.
Chemical formula (Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO4
Crystal system Monoclinic.
Habitus Tabular short prismatic crystals. Also as scattered grains.
Cleavage Two good cleavages, conchoidal fracture.
Hardness 5-5.5
Density 4.8-5.5
Color Yellowish brown to dark brown.
Streak White.
Luster Waxy, transparent to opaque.
Description  
Occurance In pegmatites as crystals or as an accessorical mineral in granite, syenite and gneiss.
Associates  
Notes Strongly radioactive.
Locations A rare mineral in Sweden.
  • Högsbo, Göteborg. Up to 5 cm big crystal fragments.
  • Kårarvet Falun. As small misshaped crystals.
  • Holma, Lurs socken, Bohuslän.
  • Ruoutevaara, Jokkmokk, Lappland.
  • Godkärra, Riddarhyttan, Västmanland.

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Last changed : 1998-06-17