Lanthanite-(La)

Lanthanite is a radioactive mineral, a carbonate of the rare earth elements, lanthanum, cerium and neodymium with formula: (La,Ce,Nd)2(CO3)3·8(H2O). It is officially known as three separate minerals lanthanite-Ce, lanthanite-La and lanthanite-Nd based on the dominant rare earth element. Some samples of the mineral may also contain dysprosium. It is a secondary mineral formed by the weathering of other minerals and occurs as scales or tabular crystals. Originally identified at Bastnas, Sweden, it has subsequently been found in Wales, Quebec and Vermont.
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General Information:
 Chemical Formula:
(La,Ce)2(CO3)3·8(H2O)
 Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 602.57 gm)
Lanthanum 34.58 % La
Cerium 11.63 % Ce
Hydrogen 2.68 % H 
Carbon 5.98 % C 
Oxygen 45.14 % O 
 Empirical Formula:
La1.5Ce0.5CO33·8(H2O)
 IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1987
Physical Properties:
 Cleavage:
[???] Perfect
 Color:
colorless, yellowish, yellowish white, white, or pink.
 Density:
2.61
 Diaphaniety:
Transparent
 Habits:
Granular - Generally occurs as anhedral to subhedral crystals in matrix., Earthy - Dull, clay-like texture with no visible crystalline affinities, (e.g. howlite).,
 Hardness:
3 - Calcite
 Luminescence:
Non-fluorescent.
 Luster:
Pearly
 Streak:
white
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