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.
Terbium is a subtle but influential member of the rare-earth family, valued not for mass-market glamour but for a handful of **unique** properties that enable cutting-edge technologies. As a transitional lanthanide element, it often hides in the shadow of its more famous neighbors, yet it plays outsized roles in modern materials science, green light generation, […]
Gadolinium is an element that sits near the middle of the lanthanide series and has captured attention across disciplines from medicine to nuclear engineering. This article explores where gadolinium is found in nature, how it is extracted and processed, its diverse applications, and a range of related topics that highlight why this metal is both
Europium is one of the more intriguing members of the rare-earth family: a soft, silvery metal with significant technological importance despite its relative scarcity. Named for its continental association, europium’s distinctive electronic structure gives rise to unique optical and chemical behaviors that have found their way into lighting, displays, security printing, and nuclear technologies. This
Samarium is a member of the lanthanide series and an element that quietly supports technologies we rely on every day. With atomic number 62 and a rich set of chemical and nuclear properties, samarium shows up in powerful permanent magnets, specialized medical isotopes, advanced optical materials and cutting-edge condensed-matter research. This article surveys where samarium
Promethium is one of the most intriguing members of the periodic table: an element that is inherently rare on Earth, entirely radioactive, and largely produced for specific technological and scientific uses. Its story combines nuclear physics, astrophysics, applied engineering and a surprising number of practical niches where a persistent low-energy radiation source is useful. The
Neodymium is a quietly influential element whose applications touch many modern technologies, from tiny headphones to the motors that will drive future transportation. This article explores what neodymium is, where it is found, how it is produced and processed, and the surprising ways it shapes industry, technology, and geopolitics. Along the way, I will highlight
Praseodymium is an element that belongs to the family of the lanthanide metals and holds a quiet but important place in modern materials science and technology. With an atomic number of 59 and the chemical symbol Pr, it contributes characteristic optical, magnetic and chemical behaviors that make it valuable in specialized alloys, optical devices and
Cerium is a fascinating element that bridges classical inorganic chemistry, modern materials science and pressing global economic issues. Often classified among the “rare-earths,” cerium is in fact relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, yet its unique chemical behavior — most notably the stability of both +3 and +4 oxidation states — gives it outsized technological
Lanthanum is a silvery-white metal that opens the row of the lanthanide series and plays a disproportionately large role in modern technologies, medicine and research. Although it is commonly grouped with the so-called rare-earth elements, lanthanum’s name, chemistry and uses are distinct and worth exploring. This article examines where lanthanum is found, how it is
Yttrium is an intriguing element that sits at the crossroads of modern technology, advanced materials science and medicine. It is often overlooked outside specialist circles, yet it plays a pivotal role in devices and processes that power contemporary life — from bright displays and high-performance ceramics to cancer therapies and superconductors. This article explores where
