REE rare earth elements, in English
SEE in German
In German, seltene means "rare." So when we say Seltene Erden (SEE), it translates to "rare earths" in English. It's used to refer to those 17 elements that are crucial for many technological applications.
From the German-language Wikipedia:
The often used abbreviated term rare earths instead of rare earth metals is misleading. This name comes from the time of the discovery of these elements and is based on the fact that they were first found in rare minerals and isolated from them in the form of their oxides (formerly called "earths"). Only promethium, a short-lived, radioactive element, is really rare in the earth's crust. Some of the rare earth metals (cerium – also called cerium, yttrium and neodymium) are more common in the earth's crust than, for example, lead, copper, molybdenum or arsenic. Thulium, the rarest stable element of rare earth metals, is still more abundant than gold or platinum.
However, the designation as rare is justified insofar as larger deposits of economically exploitable minerals are actually rare. The elements usually occur only in small quantities, in a large number of widely scattered minerals and as admixtures in other minerals. A large part of the industrial extraction of rare earth metals therefore occurs as a by-product of chemical processing in the extraction of other, more concentrated metals from their ores.
A distinction is also made between light and heavy rare earth elements; the exact classification is disputed. In geochemistry, only lanthanides are often referred to when talking about rare earths. Because of their different fractionation properties, scandium and yttrium are not considered in the geochemical modelling of rare earths.
COPILOT:
The Moon; can one expect to find many earth-like minerals on the Moon or not? and Why?
That's a great question, Louise! The Moon does share some minerals with Earth, but there are also significant differences. Here’s the lowdown:
Earth-like Minerals on the Moon
Similarities:
Silicates: Both the Moon and Earth have silicate minerals such as olivine and pyroxene. These are common in both lunar and terrestrial rocks.
Feldspar: A type of silicate, feldspar is abundant on both the Earth’s crust and the Moon’s surface.
Ilmenite: This mineral, which contains titanium, is found on both Earth and the Moon.
Differences:
Absence of Water-bearing Minerals: Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks water-bearing minerals such as micas and clays because there is virtually no water on the lunar surface.
Highland Composition: The lunar highlands are mostly made of anorthosite, a type of rock that's not very common on Earth’s surface.
Why the Differences?
Formation: The differences stem from the Moon's formation. It is believed that the Moon formed from the debris left over after a giant impact between Earth and a Mars-sized body. This violent beginning led to a different mineral composition.
Geological Activity: Earth has active plate tectonics, volcanism, and abundant water, which all contribute to a wide variety of minerals. The Moon, however, is geologically inactive and lacks these dynamic processes, resulting in a simpler mineral composition.
So, while you can expect to find some Earth-like minerals on the Moon, many of Earth's common minerals are either absent or present in very different forms. It’s a fascinating contrast shaped by the different histories and environments of the two celestial bodies.
Is there anything specific about the Moon or its geology that you're curious about? 🌔
Yes, some rare minerals found on Earth also have counterparts on the Moon, though they might differ in form, abundance, or composition. Here are a few examples:
Moon's Rare Minerals:
Tranquillityite: Initially thought to be unique to the Moon, tranquillityite was later discovered in tiny amounts on Earth as well. It was first identified in lunar samples brought back by the Apollo missions.
Armalcolite: Another mineral first identified in lunar samples, it has since been found in small quantities on Earth.
Zircon: This mineral, which is common on Earth and used in dating geological processes, has also been identified in lunar rocks.
Differences and Unique Aspects:
Absence of Water and Organic Compounds: The Moon lacks water and organic materials, so some rare minerals that form in the presence of these compounds are missing.
Different Formation Conditions: The conditions on the Moon differ significantly from Earth, leading to variations in the mineral composition. For instance, the high levels of titanium in some lunar minerals are different from their Earth counterparts.
Overall, while some rare minerals on Earth do have lunar counterparts, the Moon's unique environment leads to distinct differences in composition and abundance.
Isn't it fascinating how a place so close to us can still hold so many mysteries? 🌌 Do you have any other questions about space or geology?
DEEPSEEK:
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The Moon does have some minerals similar to those found on Earth, but there are significant differences in their abundance and distribution. Here's why:
Similar Minerals:
Common Silicates: The Moon and Earth share some silicate minerals, such as plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine, which are common in the lunar crust and mantle. These minerals formed during the Moon's early cooling and solidification.
Oxides: Minerals like ilmenite (iron titanium oxide) are found on the Moon and are also present on Earth. Ilmenite is particularly significant on the Moon as a potential source of oxygen and titanium.
Differences:
Lack of Water-Dependent Minerals: The Moon is extremely dry, so minerals that form in the presence of water (e.g., clays, micas, or hydrated minerals) are rare or absent. Earth, in contrast, has abundant water-driven mineralogy.
Reduced Volatile Elements: The Moon lost most of its volatile elements (e.g., hydrogen, carbon, and sulfur) during its formation, so minerals containing these elements are scarce. Earth, with its richer volatile inventory, has a much wider variety of minerals.
Unique Lunar Minerals: Some minerals, like armalcolite (a titanium-rich mineral), were first discovered on the Moon and are rare on Earth. These formed under the Moon's unique conditions of high temperatures and low oxygen.
Impact-Related Minerals: The Moon's surface has been heavily bombarded by meteorites, creating minerals like maskelynite (a glassy form of feldspar) that are rare on Earth.
Why the Differences?
The Moon formed from debris ejected during a giant impact between Earth and a Mars-sized body. This process caused the Moon to lose volatile elements and water.
The Moon's lack of atmosphere and tectonic activity means it hasn't undergone the same weathering, erosion, and plate tectonics that diversify Earth's mineralogy.
Conclusion:
While the Moon shares some minerals with Earth, its overall mineralogy is less diverse and lacks many Earth-like minerals due to its dry, volatile-poor environment and unique geological history.
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Yes, the Moon could have some minerals that resemble Earth's rare minerals, but they are likely to be present in much smaller quantities and under different conditions. Here's a breakdown:
Possibility of Rare Earth-Like Minerals:
Rare Earth Elements (REEs):
The Moon may contain trace amounts of rare earth elements (e.g., lanthanum, neodymium, cerium), which are found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite on Earth. These elements could be present in lunar rocks, particularly in KREEP (potassium, rare earth elements, phosphorus) regions, which are thought to be remnants of the Moon's molten magma ocean.
Titanium-Rich Minerals:
The Moon has high concentrations of titanium in minerals like ilmenite (FeTiO₃). While not rare on the Moon, titanium is considered a valuable resource on Earth, and lunar ilmenite could be a source of titanium and oxygen.
Zircon:
Zircon (ZrSiO₄), a mineral that often contains trace amounts of rare earth elements and is used for radiometric dating on Earth, could potentially exist on the Moon. However, its formation typically requires water, which is scarce on the Moon, so it would be rare if present at all.
Platinum Group Elements (PGEs):
The Moon might contain trace amounts of platinum group elements (e.g., platinum, palladium, iridium) delivered by meteorite impacts. These elements are rare on Earth and highly valuable.
Challenges to Finding Rare Minerals:
Lack of Geological Processes:
The Moon lacks the dynamic geological processes (e.g., plate tectonics, hydrothermal activity) that concentrate rare minerals on Earth. Without these processes, rare minerals are less likely to form or accumulate in exploitable quantities.
Dry Environment:
Many rare minerals on Earth form in the presence of water or hydrothermal systems. The Moon's extremely dry environment limits the formation of such minerals.
Impact-Dominated Geology:
The Moon's surface has been heavily bombarded by meteorites, which could disperse rare elements rather than concentrate them.
Potential for Discovery:
Future lunar exploration, particularly in regions like the lunar highlands or KREEP-rich areas, could reveal more about the presence of rare minerals. Advanced mining and processing technologies might make it possible to extract these materials, even in small quantities.
Conclusion:
While the Moon may host some minerals resembling Earth's rare minerals, they are likely to be scarce and difficult to access. The Moon's unique geological history and lack of water-driven processes mean that its rare mineralogy will differ significantly from Earth's. However, the potential for discovering valuable resources, such as rare earth elements or platinum group elements, remains an exciting area of research for future lunar missions.
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