Chinese scientists identify new lunar mineral Magnesiochangesite-(Ce) in recovered meteorite
Updated
Updated · China Daily · Apr 23
Chinese scientists identify new lunar mineral Magnesiochangesite-(Ce) in recovered meteorite
10 articles · Updated · China Daily · Apr 23
The mineral was discovered in the 44-gram Pakepake 005 meteorite, found in 2024 in Xinjiang’s Taklamakan Desert, and is the 11th lunar mineral identified globally.
Magnesiochangesite-(Ce), a rare-earth-bearing phosphate, is colorless, glassy, and fluoresces under UV light, offering insights into lunar volcanic activity and rare-earth element separation during planetary formation.
China now ties the US for most lunar mineral discoveries, with advanced domestic instruments enabling precise analysis; the find expands knowledge of the Moon’s evolution and may inform new glowing material technologies.
China now equals the US in lunar mineral discoveries. What does this mean for the new space race?
What secrets about the Moon's violent past does this new microscopic mineral hide?
How soon could a glowing lunar mineral power the next generation of lights on Earth?
Will the Moon's rare earth elements spark the first off-world resource conflict between superpowers?
With the old space treaty failing, who will write the new rules for mining the Moon?