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Bastnaesite

Bastnaesite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: March 2022
Bastnaesite Polished Bastnaesite Rough
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Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Bastnaesite Colors
  • Bastnaesite Spectra
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • Optical Phenomena

A rare gem, bastnaesite is named after the Swedish locality where it was originally discovered in 1841, the Bastnas mines. Color can range from honey yellow to reddish brown and crystals vary from transparent to translucent in appearance. Valued by industry as a source of rare-earth elements, bastnaesite is rare, but has been found in small quantities throughout the world. It is difficult to cut because it is a relatively soft mineral, however, its high refractive index, combined with its rarity, make it an exciting gem to own.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Bastnaesite
Species
Bastnaesite
Transparency
Transparent
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 1.717-1.823
Birefringence
0.101
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
4-4.5
Specific Gravity
4.780-5.200
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Vitreous, Pearly
Stability
Poor
Fracture
Uneven
Cleavage
Poor, in one direction
Chemical Name
cerium carbonate fluoride
Chemical Formula
(Ce,La)(CO3)F
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Chemistry Classification
Carbonate

Bastnaesite Colors

  • Brown Bastnaesite
    Brown
  • Brown Bastnaesite
    Brown
  • Orange Bastnaesite
    Orange
  • Orange Bastnaesite
    Orange
  • Yellow Bastnaesite
    Yellow

Bastnaesite Spectra

Bastnaesite Spectra
BASTNAESITE. (unpolarized)

Color due to rare earths. A cerium mineral showing a neodymium spectrum which will vary in strength according to size and intensity of color of specimen. As with all brownish orange stones resolution of lines in the deep blue to violet areas is difficult to determine

We acknowledge the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.

Alternate Names

Bastnaesite

Countries of Origin

Pakistan; Unknown

History

Bastnaesite, a mineral, is not rare. However, In gem quality, it is extremely rare. Bastnaesite is named after the Bastnas mines in Sweden, where it was originally discovered in 1841. It's characterized by warm colors ranging from honey yellow to reddish brown. Its crystals vary from transparent to translucent in appearance. Bastnaesite is valued by industry as a source of rare-earth elements. Gem-quality bastnaesite has been found in small quantities throughout the world. It is difficult to cut because it is a relatively soft mineral, however, its high refractive index (i.e., high brilliance and fire), combined with its rarity, make it an exciting gem to own.

Care

This stone is a 4 - 5 on the Mohs scale, so be sure to treat it with care. Other stones will scratch it, so it's wise to store it separately or wrapped in a protective cloth.

Optical Phenomena

Color Shift Bastnaesite

Color Shift Bastnaesite Bastnaesite
Color Shift Bastnaesite Bastnaesite
  • Classification
Common Name
Color Shift Bastnaesite
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