MONAZITE-(Ce)

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

This single detached Monazite-(Ce) crystal is quite a size (4 x 3.1 x 1.7 cm) for the famous Ljosland pegmatite-rich area in Iveland, Agder, Norway and maintains a really good shape too. Like a fin, this sharply bladed monoclinic crystal has great definition around its main upper edges. It is a little rougher around its base, where it was previously attached to matrix, but has a fine orange-brown colour and presents extremely well. As an important rare earth element (REE) bearing species Monazite-(Ce) is a one of the few rare earth bearing minerals to display great crystal form and in a size which can be used to demonstrate to the public about the importance of REE's. This European classic comes from the systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).