Bastnasite

Definition: Bastnasite is an ore rich in Lanthanide fluoro-carbonates, which is the raw material from which most rare earth metals consumed on the planet are refined. From it, mischmetal can be obtained, which is then instrumental in isolating and purifying individual rare earth metals. The ore can also be processed into a specialty polishing agent used for critical mirror and glass applications. The only known commercially viable bastnasite deposits in the world reside in China and California.