Category Phosphate mineral Strunz classification 8.CJ.45 Space group P6222 | Formula
(repeating unit) (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4·H2O Crystal system Hexagonal | |
Crystal class Trapezohedral (622)
H-M symbol: (622) | ||
Brockite is a rare earth phosphate mineral with formula: (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4·H2O. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system. It is typically granular to massive with only rare occurrence of stubby crystals. It is radioactive due to the thorium content.
Discovery and occurrence
Brockite was first described in 1962 for an occurrence in the Bassick Mine area, Querida, Wet Mountains, Custer County, Colorado, US. It was named for Maurice R. Brock, of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Brockite occurs in granite and granite pegmatite as an accessory mineral. Associated minerals include monazite, bastnasite, xenotime, thorite, zircon, apatite, rutile and hematite.
References
Brockite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA