@pseryte
One of Earth's hidden treasures is bastnäsite, a captivating mineral that serves as a vital source of cerium, a rare earth element. Though cerium is as plentiful as copper in the Earth's crust, it rarely gathers in concentrated deposits, making bastnäsite a prized mineral for mining. This unassuming mineral plays a crucial role in powering the modern world, from green technologies to advanced electronics, quietly fueling innovations behind the scenes.