Formation
(1) Primary, magmatic, as an accessory mineral in fractionated, acidic plutonic rocks (granites, pegmatites) and syenites, formed by the enrichment of incompatible light rare earth elements (LREE) and phosphate.
(2) Metamorphic, formed by recrystallization or new formation from precursor phases under amphibolite to granulite facies conditions.
(3) Sedimentary, as a resistant heavy mineral in placer deposits resulting from mechanical weathering and gravitational accumulation.
