Rabdophane-(La) rosettes growing on rutile needles. From: Mula claim, Tapera, Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil. — Photo: Ricardo Scholz · CC0
Rhabdophane-(La)
Rhabdophane-(La) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula La(PO₄)·H₂O.
It is a member of the Rhabdophane structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3–3.5; specific gravity 4.4; Greasy to silky luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Rha-La, IMA status: approved, named in 1987.
Found as a secondary mineral in faults cutting weathered sediments, probably derived from a porphyritic granite.
It is found associated with Clay minerals, “opal”.
The name refers to its dominant rare earth, lanthanum, and relation to rhabdophane-(Ce).
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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