Bastnäsite-(Ce) and parisite-(Ce) from Mt. Malosa, Malawi

Abstract

Large crystals of the rare-earth carbonates bastnäsite-(Ce) and parisite-(Ce) have been collected from alkaline pegmatites at Malawi's Mt. Malosa, where they occur associated with aegirine, microcline, and several other unusual accessory minerals. Only small portions of some crystals are suitable for cutting into attractive gems, because most of the material is opaque or heavily fractured. This report presents the gemological and chemical properties of Mt. Malosa bastnäsite-(Ce) and parisite-(Ce) gemstones. This area shows good potential for future production of these rare-earth carbonates, although cut stones will continue to be rare. © 2010 Gemological Institute of America.