Niobium Baotou Mine
A new mineral named after its Chinese origin has been discovered
Recently, Chinese scientists have discovered a new mineral - niobium Baotou ore, which is a new mineral rich in strategic metals. The rich element niobium has important applications in fields such as China's nuclear industry system.
Niobium Baotou ore is a silicate mineral rich in barium, niobium, titanium, iron, and chlorine. It was found in the Baiyunebo deposit in Baotou City, Inner Mongolia. Niobium Baotou ore is brown to black in color, in the shape of columns or plates, with particle sizes of about 20-80 microns.
Fan Guang, Senior Engineer of CNNC Geological Technology: In 2012, during a geochemical exploration process, we took several samples and found a mineral rich in niobium. Its chemical composition is different from that of the Baotou ore discovered in the original mining area. Therefore, we believe that this is a new mineral and need further research.
It is reported that the Baiyunebo deposit where the Niobium Baotou ore was discovered has a rich variety of minerals, with over 170 types discovered so far. Niobium Baotou ore is the 17th new mineral discovered in this deposit.
Ge Xiangkun, Senior Engineer of CNNC Geological Technology: From its chemical composition, it is a Baotou ore with a high content of niobium, which is expected to be used to extract niobium element. Niobium is a strategic and key metal element in our country, which can be used in many scenarios and has significant applications in the nuclear industry system. In addition, it can also be used to manufacture superconducting materials, high-temperature alloys, and so on.
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How to discover new minerals in the key four steps?
The discovery of the Niobium Baotou mine has made contributions to international mineralogy. As of now, researchers from China Nuclear Geological Technology have discovered a total of 11 new minerals. How was the new mineral discovered? What scientific instruments are needed again? Follow the reporter to take a look.
According to the reporter, discovering a new mineral requires a total of 4 steps. The first step is chemical composition analysis, and electronic probe equipment can accurately detect the chemical composition of the sample.
Deng Liumin, an engineer at CNNC Geological Science and Technology, said that it uses a high-energy focused electron beam to strike the surface of a sample and measure the content of various elements. By determining the content of this element, its chemical formula can be determined to determine whether it is new. Determining the chemical composition is also a crucial step in the study of new minerals.
Through electron probe testing, researchers have obtained the chemical composition of a new mineral, but the chemical composition alone is not enough. To determine whether it is a new mineral, it is necessary to analyze the crystal structure of the mineral, which requires entering the second step - sample preparation.
Wang Tao, an engineer at CNNC Geological Technology, said that the particles in the niobium Baotou mine are relatively small. We use a focused ion beam to separate the mineral particles
Cut it out, it's about 20 microns × 10 microns × 7 micron particles. Because we need to analyze its crystal structure,So it is necessary to ensure that its ingredients are pure. This is the sample we cut out, and we will collect its structural information next breath.
Li Ting, Senior Engineer of CNNC Geological Technology: Our particles will be placed in the middle of the instrument, on the sample holder. This is the light source (X-ray), and this is the receiver. When the light (X-ray) passes through the crystal and is received by the receiver, it already carries the structural information of the crystal. The structure of niobium baotou ore that we finally solved is a tetragonal crystal system, which is the arrangement of atoms with each other.
Once the chemical composition and crystal structure of the new mineral are obtained, the basic information collection for the new mineral is completed. Next, Ke
Researchers also need to conduct spectral analysis and physical feature detection to improve the relevant information of new minerals, and ultimately summarize the materials to new mineral applications can be approved internationally after passing the review process.
Strict review and knowledgeable naming of new minerals
Obtaining international approval is not an easy task. The reporter learned that the naming of new minerals needs to be reviewed layer by layer.
After obtaining new mineral data, researchers need to apply to the International Society of Mineralogy, the world's largest mineralogical organization. The Chairman of the New Minerals, Classification, and Nomenclature Committee of the International Society of Mineralogy will conduct a preliminary review of the application, identify any shortcomings in the research, and provide recommendations.
Fan Guang, Senior Engineer of CNNC Geological Technology: This step is very strict and rigorous. After receiving recognition from the Chairman of the New Minerals, Classification, and Nomenclature Committee of the International Mineral Society, members of the International New Minerals Classification and Nomenclature Committee will be allowed to vote. If approved by a two-thirds majority, the Chairman of the New Minerals, Classification, and Nomenclature Committee of the International Mineral Society will issue an approval letter, representing that our minerals have been officially approved. Within two years, we will have a formal article for publication.
Up to now, China has discovered more than 180 new minerals, including Chang'e stone, Mianning uranium ore, Luan lithium mica, etc.
Fan Guang, Senior Engineer of CNNC Geological Technology: The discovery of new minerals represents the level of mineralogical research in a country. Discovering new minerals is a process of constantly pursuing the ultimate, understanding the world, and understanding nature. I hope to see the presence of Chinese people on the international mineralogy stage.
Source: CCTV News
Post time: Oct-12-2023