MOON crystals that harness an enormous amount of potential energy have been discovered, scientists say.
Lunar crystals are composed of materials that were previously unknown, according to scientists.
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They contain an important ingredient in nuclear fusion, which powers the Sun and other similar stars, Discovery reported.
In 2020, lunar basalt particles were taken from the Moon by China, making them the third country to make a new discovery of Moon minerals after the US and formerly the Soviet Union, according to the outlet.
China's lunar mission was the first since the 1970s, and they collected over 1.7kg of samples and brought them back to earth
The newly discovered mineral is called Changesite-(Y), for the Chinese goddess of the Moon Chang'e, and it was named after the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology.
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The crystals are reportedly clear, and match the width of a human hair, Discovery said.
Changesite is thought to be the result of lunar volcanic activity from 1.2 billion years ago.
It also contains the Earth-rare helium-3, which is quite common on the Moon, and has the potential to be a power source for nuclear fusion, but results in less radiation and nuclear waste.
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In 2024, China expects to complete a lunar mission that will collect the premiere samples from the Moon's far side, which never faces the earth.
Approximately 25 tons of helium-3 could provide power to America for a year, which gives helium-3 a possible $3billion value.
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Because of this, a pending space race to the Moon for helium-3 could be in effect, as scientists all over the world attempt to harness this great power.
These pioneers could be from both private companies and proper national space agencies from varying countries.
