Zirconolite
A calcium zirconium titanate in lunar basalts that holds uranium and rare earth elements.
Key facts
- Formula
- CaZrTi2O7
- Family
- Oxides
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
What it is
Zirconolite is an oxide of calcium, zirconium and titanium that readily takes in uranium, thorium and rare earth elements. Because it holds radioactive elements so well, a synthetic version is used to store nuclear waste.
Where it is found
It occurs as tiny grains in the last-crystallised parts of lunar mare basalts and in some lunar meteorites, together with baddeleyite, tranquillityite and apatite.
How it is recognised
It is found with the scanning electron microscope as bright grains and identified by microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Zirconolite grains in lunar basalts are used to date when the lava crystallised.
Did you know?
Synroc, a synthetic rock for storing nuclear waste, includes zirconolite.