Monazite is a phosphate mineral composed of cerium, lanthanum, thorium, and uranium, found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It is commonly found in placer deposits formed by erosion and the transport of minerals by water. Monazite is mined in many countries, including India, Brazil, and South Africa, and used mainly for thorium and uranium production, rare earth elements, construction (filler and aggregate), and ceramic glazing.
Monazite Color and Composition
| Color | Composition |
|---|
| Reddish-brown | Cerium-rich |
| Yellow | Lanthanum-rich |
| Green | Cerium- and lanthanum-rich |
| Colorless | Cerium-, lanthanum-, and other rare earth-rich |
The global monazite ore market outlook is positive, driven by increasing demand for rare earth elements and the limited availability of monazite ore. According to the United States Geological Survey, Nigeria has an estimated 6 million tons of monazite ore reserves, found in Cross River, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger states, commonly associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Monazite ore in Nigeria is a source of rare earth minerals such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, used in electronics, magnets, and batteries.
Why Buy Monazite Ore From Commodity 1?
While India, Brazil, and South Africa are significant producers, Nigeria's estimated reserves of untapped monazite ore stand at 6 million tons, found in Cross River, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger states. Commodity 1 provides monazite ore directly from the mine site to the global market. There are no middlemen involved, only our staff on the ground. We aim to be our customers' monazite ore supplier and offer the best prices for our buyers.
Composition Analysis
| Element | Percentage |
|---|
| Cerium | 40–55% |
| Lanthanum | 30–45% |
| Thorium | 1–2% |
| Uranium | 0.05–0.2% |
| Other elements | 0–10% |
Monazite ore is a radioactive mineral — the level of radioactivity depends on thorium and uranium content, and material with high levels should be handled with caution. Composition varies slightly based on source; we encourage buyers to request a free sample for their own composition analysis.
Packaging & Delivery
| Detail | Value |
|---|
| Packaging | Lumps / chips |
| Port | Lagos Apapa Port, Nigeria |
| Bags | 50 kg |
| Container | 20 ft |
| Quantity | 20–200 MT per month |
| Lead time | 30 days |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Color | Reddish brown, brown, yellow, green, colorless |
| Hardness | 5–6 (Mohs) |
| Specific gravity | 4.6–5.4 |
| Luster | Resinous to vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Chemical formula | (Ce, La, Nd, Th)PO₄ |
| Density | 4.6–5.4 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1,540°C |
| Boiling point | 2,800°C |
| Hazards | Radioactive — handle with caution |
Industrial Uses
| Industry | Use |
|---|
| Electronics | Source of rare-earth elements for computers, phones, and televisions |
| Magnets | Rare-earth elements used in electric motors, generators, and hard drives |
| Batteries | Rare-earth elements used in laptops, phones, and electric vehicles |
| Glass | Used in windows, bottles, and lenses |
| Ceramics | Used in dishes, tiles, and jewelry |
| Lubricants | Used to reduce friction between moving parts |
| Fertilizers | Used to help plants grow |
| Other | Fireworks, paints, and cosmetics |
Commodity 1