Sep 4 2013
Fergusonite-beta-(Y) was named after the allusion to its dimorphous relation to fergusonite-(Y).
Properties of Fergusonite-Beta-(Y)
The following are the key properties of fergusonite-beta-(Y):
- Cell Data
- Space group: n.d.
- a = 5.12
- b = 10.89
- c = 5.20
- β = 88°10’
- Z = [4].
- Crystal Data
- Monoclinic; typically metamict
- Point group: n.d.
- Crystals prismatic, to 0.2 mm in cross section.
- X-ray powder pattern: n.d.
- Optical Properties
- Optical class: [Isotropic when metamict.]
- n = n.d.
- Estimated Properties
| Electron density |
Bulk density (electron density) = 5.08 g/cm3
note: Specific gravity of fergusonite-beta-(Y) = 5.58 g/cm3 |
| Photoelectric |
PEfergusonite-beta-(Y) = 105.20 barns/electron
U = PEfergusonite-beta-(Y) x ρ electron density = 534.91 barns/cm3 |
| Fermion index |
Fermion index = 0.00012497
Boson index = 0.99987503 |
|
Radioactivity
|
Fergusonite-beta-(Y) is not radioactive.
|
How to Identify Fergusonite-Beta-(Y)
Fergusonite-beta-(Y) can be identified in the field by its yellow color. Its translucen-to-opaque form has a vitreous-greasy luster. The hardness of fergusonite-beta-(Y) is 5.5-6.5- between knife blade and pyrite.
Global Distribution
Fergusonite-beta-(Y) is distributed mainly in China at an undisclosed locality, probably Bayan Obo Fe–Nb–RE deposit, 130 km north of Baotou, Inner Mongolia.
Occurrence of Fergusonite-Beta-(Y) and Useful Mineral Association
Fergusonite-beta-(Y) occurs in microcline-bearing granite stocks. This mineral is often associated with minerals such microcline and quartz.
References