Guess what, fellow explorers! 🌏 China has just unearthed two brand-new minerals at the world's largest rare-earth mine in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This exciting discovery is like finding treasure in your own backyard! 🏞️
A team of brilliant geologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) teamed up with Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd., Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and Central South University to make this happen. Talk about teamwork! 🤝
The two minerals are named Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite (try saying that three times fast!). Oboniobite is a cool yellow-brown mineral that's plate-like and tiny—just 20 to 100 micrometers. Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite, on the other hand, is pale yellow or light blue and can grow up to 350 micrometers. It's also the first mineral containing scandium ever discovered in China! 🎉
These minerals aren't just pretty to look at—they're a big deal for technology and innovation. Niobium and scandium, the key elements in these minerals, are super rare and have huge applications in new materials, energy, IT, aerospace, and even national defense. Think superconducting materials, aluminum-scandium alloys, and solid oxide fuel cells. 🚀
Li Xianhua, a top scientist at CAS, shared that the International Mineralogical Association confirmed these are indeed new minerals and approved their funky names. Fun fact: Since 1959, a total of 20 new minerals have been found in the Bayan Obo deposit! 🌟
Li Xiao, the general manager at Baotou Steel Union, highlighted that Bayan Obo is like a treasure trove with minerals like iron, niobium, scandium, thorium, and fluorite. It's no wonder they keep finding new stuff! 🧐
Oh, and get this—Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite is named in honor of Zhai Mingguo, a respected academician who's made outstanding contributions to China's mineral studies. Way to leave a legacy! 🙌
So next time you're using tech or dreaming about space travel, remember that discoveries like these are what's making the future possible. Stay curious, amigos! ✌️
Reference(s):
China unearths two new minerals at world's largest rare-earth mine
cgtn.com
