Zajacite-(Ce)

Zajacite or Zajacite-(Ce) is a rare radioactive fluoride mineral with formula: Na(REE_xCa_1-x)(REE_yCa_1-y)F₆. REE means rare earth elements mostly those belonging to the lanthanide series. It crystallizes in the trigonal - rhombohedral system and has a white vitreous appearance with a conchoidal fracture. It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 and a specific gravity of 4.44 to 4.55. Zajacite is transparent with refractive indices of nω=1.483 and nε=1.503 and occurs as creamy to white grains and phenocrysts in pegmatite and aplite pods or lenses in a peralkaline igneous intrusion.

It was discovered in 1993 at Strange Lake, Quebec - Labrador (56°20'N , 64°10'W) and was named for Dr. Ihor S. Zajac, who led the expedition responsible for its discovery, and who first recognized the presence of the new mineral.

ee also

*List of minerals
*List of minerals named after people

References

* [http://www.webmineral.com/data/Zajacite-(Ce).shtml Webmineral data]
* [http://www.mindat.org/min-7383.html Mindat w/ location data]