SEM-BSE images. A) Thorite crystal with a fracture network. B and C) Thorite inclusions (white) in zircon. In C note the inverse relationship between size and number of the inclusions. 

Contexts in source publication

Context 1

... also occurs as myriads of micrometric amoeboid inclusions in zircon (Fig. 1B, C); this is so common that thorite-free zircon is almost nonexistent. The inverse correlation between size and abundance suggests that the inclusions are exsolutions. No epitactic overgrowths on zircon were found. More rarely, thorite forms inclusions in bastnäsite-(Ce) associated with hingganite-(Y), and in monazite-(Ce). ...

Context 2

... crystals of thorite, up to ca. 2 mm long, are scarce and show the {100} prism terminated by the {101} bipyramid (Fig. 1A). Color varies from dark red to bright yellow, they are translucent to almost opaque, and have greasy luster in the fracture surfaces and almost dull in the crystal faces. Crystals usually show a network of fractures (Fig. 1A). Unlike zircon, no voids (possibly fl uid inclusions) are found inside thorite ...

Context 3

... crystals of thorite, up to ca. 2 mm long, are scarce and show the {100} prism terminated by the {101} bipyramid (Fig. 1A). Color varies from dark red to bright yellow, they are translucent to almost opaque, and have greasy luster in the fracture surfaces and almost dull in the crystal faces. Crystals usually show a network of fractures (Fig. 1A). Unlike zircon, no voids (possibly fl uid inclusions) are found inside thorite ...