News
Rare-earth metals of the Volyn deposit
14 Jan 2025
When we talk about the Volyn deposit, we usually think of heliodors, topazes, or quartz. But in f...
When we talk about the Volyn deposit, we usually think of heliodors, topazes, or quartz. But in fact, these depths conceal far greater treasures. In the local pegmatites and granites, scientists have discovered more than 100 different minerals, many of which are extremely rare.
Metals of the Future
In addition to gemstones, Volyn’s pegmatite veins contain so-called rare earth metals — lanthanides (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu), as well as tantalum, niobium, lithium, cesium, and yttrium. These elements are “locked” in minerals such as monazite, bastnäsite, and allanite.
Why are they so important? Because rare earth metals form the foundation of modern technologies:
• smartphones and computers,
• batteries for electric vehicles,
• high-power magnets and lasers,
• equipment for “green energy.”
Volyn in the Global Context
Worldwide, demand for these metals is growing every year. Countries that possess such deposits view them as a strategic resource, since without them it is impossible to advance either modern electronics or renewable energy.
More Than Just Gemstones
Thus, the Volyn pegmatite region is not only a source of stunning crystals for jewelers and collectors. It is also a potential base of the minerals of the future, which may play a key role in the development of Ukraine’s economy and strengthen the country’s position in the global high-tech market.
team Volyn Gems