Japan finds new minerals containing antimony for use in optical instrument lenses

The rare-earth metal element yttrium may not be known by ordinary people. This gray metal has a density of 4.4689 g/cm3, a melting point of 1522C, a boiling point of 3338C, and a valence of +3. The first ionization energy is 6.38 electron volts, which reacts with hot water and is easily soluble in dilute acids. Its main purpose is to be applied to optical instrument lenses and secondary batteries.

However, for the Japanese island nation, rare earth elements are very scarce, and most rely on imports from China. However, this situation may be broken now because Japanese researchers at Kyushu University discovered for the first time in Japan two new minerals that contain rare earth element tellurium.

These two kinds of new minerals containing rare earth niobium were found in basalt collected at the Dongmuppu Peninsula (Dangjin City and other places) in the northwest of Saga Prefecture. The analysis was conducted through a microscope and X-ray, and it was finally confirmed that this was not discovered. New ore. Therefore, researchers believe that there may be deposits on the East Matsuura Peninsula.

Japan submitted an application to the International Mineralogy Association IMA in March of this year. The two new ores are named “Rhodium Phosphorus Rare-Earth Mine” and “Fertile Front Stone” respectively. At present, this discovery has already been recognized by the IMA. Japan may be able to rely on itself to develop rare earth element gallium and manufacture optical instrument lenses and secondary batteries. This is undoubtedly an exciting thing for Japan.