Novel mineral sheds light on rare-earth formation

Chinese geologists have unearthed a groundbreaking new mineral in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, boasting a never-before-seen composition of heavy rare-earth elements.

It's the world's first discovery of such a mineral, offering valuable insights into the formation and abundance of these crucial elements in Bayan Obo, a major rare-earth depository.

Professor Li Guowu from the China University of Geosciences Beijing announced the discovery during a recent seminar, noting that the International Mineralogical Association has confirmed its status as a new mineral and approved its naming.