Melting Temperatures of Monazite and Xenotime

Abstract

The melting temperatures of natural and synthetic monazite and xenotime (rare‐earth ortnophosphates) were measured, using a heliostat‐type solar furnace. The results obtained are as follows: natural monazite from Japan (2057°40°C), synthetic monazite RPO 4 (R=La, 2072°20°C; R=Ce, 2045°20°C; R=Pr, 1938°20°C; R=Nd, 1975°20°C; R=Sm, 1916°20°C), and synthetic xenotime RPO 4 (R=Y, 1995°20°C; R=Er, 1896°20°C).