Question

Which of the following is/are REE-bearing mineral(s)?

• A. Monazite
• B. Natrolite
• C. Spodumene
• D. Gibbsite

Hint:

Only phosphate minerals like monazite host rare earth elements as essential structural components.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall what makes a mineral REE bearing.
A mineral is called REE bearing when rare earth elements such as cerium, lanthanum and neodymium sit inside its own crystal structure as essential, not trace, components. We check each option against this rule.

Step 2: Check Monazite.
Monazite is a phosphate mineral with the general formula \((Ce,La,Th)PO_4\). Cerium and lanthanum are essential parts of its structure, so monazite is a true REE bearing mineral and one of the main ores of rare earth elements.

Step 3: Check Natrolite.
Natrolite is a zeolite with formula \(Na_2Al_2Si_3O_{10}\cdot2H_2O\). It is a hydrated sodium aluminosilicate. No rare earth element sits in its structure, so natrolite is not REE bearing.

Step 4: Check Spodumene.
Spodumene has formula \(LiAlSi_2O_6\). It is a lithium pyroxene and the chief ore of lithium in rare element pegmatites. Its structure holds lithium and aluminium, not rare earth elements, so it is not REE bearing.

Step 5: Check Gibbsite.
Gibbsite is aluminium hydroxide, \(Al(OH)_3\), and forms during lateritic weathering as an ore of bauxite. It carries aluminium and hydroxide groups only, with no rare earth element in its formula.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Only monazite carries rare earth elements as essential structural components.
\[ \boxed{\text{Monazite}} \]