A new silicate mineral found in central China's Henan Province is recognized by the International Mineralogical Association, according to China's Ministry of Natural Resources on January 19.

The new mineral, named Nipeiite-(Ce), was found in a rare earth mine in Taiping Town of the province. Colored light red to reddish brown, it is the silicate mineral with the highest content of cerium found in nature by far.

Cerium is used extensively in flat-screen TVs, pyrophoric alloys for cigarette lighters, low-energy light bulbs and floodlights.

The discovery of the new mineral has important scientific value in many fields.

(Cover: A rare earth mine. /CFP)