Fluorite is the secret source behind the world's largest deposits of heavy rare earth elements used in modern electronics.

Rare earth element deposits in regolith are primarily sourced from fluorite rather than more durable minerals. Geologists previously assumed that harder, refractory minerals held these valuable resources, which made them difficult to extract. Identifying fluorite as the main source changes the entire strategy for locating and mining the elements essential for smartphones and electric cars. This mineral is much easier to process, potentially lowering the cost and environmental impact of rare earth production. Future exploration will now focus on fluorite-rich regions to secure the supply chain for green energy technology. It turns a common mineral into the most important target for the global tech economy.