In addition to alkaline igneous rocks, which other group is enriched in rare earth elements?

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Study for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam. Access flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and understand key geologic principles. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In addition to alkaline igneous rocks, which other group is enriched in rare earth elements?

Explanation:
Rare earth elements tend to concentrate in specific rock types based on their mineral chemistry. Besides alkaline igneous rocks, carbonate rocks—especially carbonatites—are well known for REE enrichment because they host minerals like bastnäsite and monazite that trap REEs within carbonate-rich settings. Scree is just loose rock fragments and doesn’t indicate a REE-rich mineralogy. Hornfels and amphibolite are metamorphic rocks; they can contain REE minerals, but they aren’t the typical carriers of high REE concentrations like carbonates are. So, carbonates are the group enriched in rare earth elements alongside alkaline rocks.

Rare earth elements tend to concentrate in specific rock types based on their mineral chemistry. Besides alkaline igneous rocks, carbonate rocks—especially carbonatites—are well known for REE enrichment because they host minerals like bastnäsite and monazite that trap REEs within carbonate-rich settings. Scree is just loose rock fragments and doesn’t indicate a REE-rich mineralogy. Hornfels and amphibolite are metamorphic rocks; they can contain REE minerals, but they aren’t the typical carriers of high REE concentrations like carbonates are. So, carbonates are the group enriched in rare earth elements alongside alkaline rocks.

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