Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table, specifically the fifteen lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. Scandium and yttrium are considered rare earth elements because they tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and exhibit similar chemical properties. Despite their name, most rare earth elements are not particularly rare in the Earth’s crust; however, they are rarely found in concentrated forms, which makes their extraction economically challenging.
The lanthanides are metals that are similar in their properties, including their shininess and reactivity. These elements are key components in a wide range of technological applications due to their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties. They play crucial roles in the manufacture of modern technologies such as smartphones, computers, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and various defense systems. Specific uses include powerful permanent magnets, phosphors in color television and computer screens, catalysts in automotive catalytic converters, and components in rechargeable batteries.
The extraction, refinement, and processing of rare earth elements can be environmentally challenging and technically complex, which has led to concerns about the supply and geopolitical implications of these critical materials. China has been the dominant supplier of rare earth elements, controlling a significant portion of the world’s production and reserves, which has prompted other countries to develop their own REE resources to ensure a stable supply for future technological development.
Francium is one of the most elusive and intriguing elements on the periodic table. As the heaviest naturally occurring member of the alkali metal column, it attracts attention far more for its rarity and extreme radioactivity than for any practical utility. This article explores where francium is found, what makes its chemistry and nuclear behavior […]
Polonium occupies a striking and sometimes unsettling place in the periodic table and in modern history. This rare element is notable for its intense radioactivity, a variety of isotopes with differing lifetimes, and its associations with both useful niche technologies and high-profile incidents that highlight the dangers of uncontrolled radioactive materials. The material that follows
Radium is one of the most intriguing elements in the history of science: prized for its mysterious glow, feared for its invisible power, and instrumental in shaping modern ideas about atomic structure and medical treatment. This article explores where radium is found, how it behaves chemically and physically, its historical discovery and uses, modern applications
Actinium is a little-known but scientifically significant member of the actinide series, whose properties and radioactivity make it both a challenge to study and a source of powerful technological and medical applications. This article explores where actinium is found in nature and in the laboratory, its chemical and nuclear characteristics, current and emerging uses, and
Protactinium is a subtle but scientifically important member of the periodic table. With atomic number 91 it sits in the heart of the actinide series and carries a combination of complex chemistry, intriguing nuclear behavior and a history that links early nuclear science to modern environmental and reactor research. This article explores where protactinium occurs
Plutonium is one of the most intriguing and controversial elements in the modern world. Its unusual physical and chemical properties, combined with its role in energy production, space exploration and geopolitics, make it a subject of multidisciplinary interest. This article reviews where plutonium is found, how it is produced and used, and surveys associated scientific,
Uranium is a heavy, naturally occurring element that has shaped human history, industry, and science in profound ways. Its distinctive chemistry and **radioactivity** have made it both a valuable resource and a source of controversy. This article explores where uranium is found, how it behaves at the atomic level, the many applications it supports, and
Thorium is an element that sits at the intersection of geology, physics and energy policy. It attracts attention for its potential to contribute to low-carbon energy systems, for its curious chemistry and for a historical trail of applications ranging from incandescent gas mantles to specialized optical glass. This article explores where thorium is found, how
Potassium is an element that quietly underpins much of life on Earth, the modern chemical industry, and numerous natural processes. Its presence is so ubiquitous that it often goes unnoticed, yet its role is decisive—from the way plants grow to how our hearts beat. This article explores where potassium occurs, how it is used across
Sodium is a ubiquitous and fascinating chemical element whose presence shapes landscapes, technologies, and living systems. Although often associated with the everyday taste of salt, sodium’s significance extends far beyond the kitchen. This article explores where sodium occurs in nature, its chemical and physical characteristics, industrial and technological applications, its critical roles in biology and
