Multhan
Multhan is a rare earth mineral belonging to the bastnäsite group. It is a carbonate fluoride of cerium and lanthanum, with the chemical formula (Ce,La)CO3F.
Etymology and History:
The mineral is named after the locality where it was first discovered: Multhan in Pakistan.
Properties:
Multhan is typically found as reddish-brown or orange-brown hexagonal crystals. It exhibits a vitreous luster. Due to its composition containing rare earth elements, it is weakly radioactive. Specific physical and optical properties are still under investigation due to the scarcity of well-characterized samples.
Occurrence:
Multhan is a relatively rare mineral, and its occurrence is not widely documented. It has been identified in carbonatite complexes and related hydrothermal environments. The type locality is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Other reported occurrences are limited.
Uses:
Due to its rarity, Multhan does not have significant industrial applications. It is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying rare earth element geochemistry.
Distinguishing Features:
Multhan can be distinguished from other similar rare earth carbonate minerals by its chemical composition, crystal structure (determined by X-ray diffraction), and association with specific geological environments. Careful analysis is required for definitive identification.
See Also:
- Bastnäsite
- Rare Earth Elements
- Carbonatite