Chinese scientists discover rare-earth-rich new lunar minerals in Chang’e-5 mission samples
By: Global Times | Published: Apr 24, 2026 11:44 AM
Chinese scientists have identified two previously unknown lunar minerals from the 1,731 grams of moon samples returned by Chang’e-5 mission, marking another major breakthrough in deep-space research. The findings were announced on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 11th China Space Day. The two newly discovered minerals have been officially approved and classified by the International Mineralogical Association. They are named magnesiochangesite-(Y) and changesite-(Ce).