Which of the statements regarding Monazite sands is correct? 1. Monazite is radioactive due to the presence of thorium. 2. It is a principle source of some rare earth metals.

Which of the statements regarding Monazite sands is correct? 1. Monazite is radioactive due to the presence of thorium. 2. It is a principle source of some rare earth metals. Correct Answer Both 1 and 2

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Important Points

  • Monazite is a reddish-brown phosphate mineral containing rare earth metals. It occurs usually in small isolated crystals.
  • Lanthanum is the most common rare earth element in monazite. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • Monazite is radioactive due to the presence of thorium and, less commonly, uranium.
  • Because of its radioactive nature, monazite is a useful for radiometric dating of geological events, such as crystallization, heating, or deformation of the rocks containing monazite. So, statement 2 is also correct.
  • Thorium extracted from Monazite sands can be used for generation of nuclear power.

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