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Bastnasite is a rare, hexagonal gemstone known for its warm colors, typically ranging from wax-yellow to reddish-brown, and its vitreous to greasy/pearly luster. It is a source of rare-earth elements and is difficult to cut due to its softness and brittleness, but its high refractive index makes it an interesting gem for collectors. The mineral was first discovered in the Bastnäs mine in Sweden in the 19th century and is also found in other locations worldwide.

Physical and visual properties

• Color: Wax-yellow, honey-yellow, reddish-brown, and orange-brown.

• Luster: Vitreous to greasy or pearly.

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent.

• Crystal Habit: Short prisms or tabular crystals.

• Refractive Index:

  1.717−1.823

  1.717−1.823

  .

• Birefringence:

  0.1010

  0.1010

  .

• Dispersion:

  0.013

  0.013

  .

Other characteristics

• Hardness: Relatively soft, ranking 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale.

• Chemical Composition: It's a rare-earth element group that includes cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earths.

• Formation: Found in carbonatites and pegmatites, sometimes in hydrothermal sources.

• Origin: Named after the Bastnäs mine in Sweden, where it was first discovered in 1838.