The global status of rubidium resource and suggestions on its development and utilization in China

Rare metal resources occur with very low contents in crust as complicated occurrences and they are hard to be exploited and extracted.Rubidium is one of the important rare metals,which has been used in military and science-technological fields and even widely in civil use field.Currently,application of rubidium in optical technology,synthesized catalysis and special glass ceramics,has become guidance for new industry development.This paper analyses the current situation of rubidium ore resources of the world.Rubidium resources in China are widely distributed with various types,formed in certain concentrated time,but are difficult for good exploitation as few independent deposit.Therefore,it is suggested to focus on highgrade mica-type rubidium deposit during the exploration,play attention to recover rubidium from original mine tailing and strengthen the study on mineral processing and comprehensive utilization of rubidium resources.