NewRARE Mexico EARTH Geological BEARING-MINERALSSociety Guidebook, 62nd Field Conference, OF THEGeology PETACA of the Tusas Mountains DISTRICT - Ojo Caliente, 2011, p. 389-398. 389 RARE EARTH BEARING-MINERALS OF THE PETACA DISTRICT, RIO ARRIBA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
MICHAEL N. SPILDE1, STEVE DUBYK2, BRIAN SALEM3, AND WILLIAM P. MOATS4 1Institute of Meteoritics, MSC03-2050, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 ([email protected]). 21828 Quiet Lane SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, 3PO Box 27, Tijeras, NM 87059, 48409 Fairmont Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
ABSTRACT—Ten pegmatites were sampled across the Petaca District of northern New Mexico. Samples were analyzed by electron microprobe to identify composition and mineral type and to determine the presence of rare earth elements (REE). REE. Thorite and xenotime were found to be enriched in moderately heavy REE. Zircon, while not high in REE, contained ! "## $% &