As a subject matter expert in the field of geochemistry, I'm well-versed in the distribution and abundance of various elements within the Earth's crust. Let's delve into the topic of thorium, an element that has garnered significant interest due to its potential applications in nuclear energy.

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is indeed quite common in the Earth's crust. It is estimated to be about as abundant as lead and, notably, at least three times more abundant than uranium. This relative abundance is a key factor when considering thorium as an alternative to uranium in nuclear power generation.

The specific abundance of thorium in the Earth's crust is approximately 6 parts per million (ppm) by weight, as reported by Chemicool. This makes it one of the more abundant elements, ranking 41st in terms of crustal abundance according to the Periodic Table. However, the distribution of thorium is not uniform across the globe; it is more prevalent in certain regions and types of rocks, such as monazite sands, which are phosphate-rich minerals that can contain up to 12% thorium by weight.

The abundance of thorium is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it suggests that thorium could be a viable fuel source for nuclear power, given its relatively high availability compared to uranium. Secondly, the widespread presence of thorium in the Earth's crust means that it could potentially be extracted from a variety of sources, increasing the feasibility of its use in energy production.

However, it's important to note that the abundance of an element in the Earth's crust does not directly correlate with its economic viability for energy production. Factors such as the cost of extraction, the concentration of the element in the source material, and the technological challenges associated with its use must also be considered. For thorium, these factors include the need for advanced reactor designs that can effectively utilize thorium as a fuel, as well as the management of radioactive waste produced during the process.

In summary, while thorium is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, its use as a nuclear fuel source is still in the developmental stages. The element's potential is promising, but further advancements in technology and a comprehensive understanding of its environmental and economic implications are necessary before it can be widely adopted.

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Thorium is about as abundant as lead and at least three times as abundant as uranium, according to Lenntech. The abundance of thorium in Earth's crust is 6 parts per million by weight, according to Chemicool. According to Periodic Table, thorium is the 41st most abundant element in Earth's crust.Feb 28, 2017read more >>