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.
Exploring the world of minerals and stones unveils a fascinating realm where chemistry, physics, and geology intersect. Among the plethora of elements that contribute to this diversity, rare earth elements hold a special place due to their unique properties and applications. Holmium, a member of the lanthanide series, is no exception. Despite its relative obscurity […]
A Deep Dive into the Crystallography of Holmium Minerals Read More »
The world of minerals and stones is vast and complex, with each element playing a crucial role in various industries and applications. Among these, holmium, a lesser-known yet critically important mineral, stands out for its unique properties and applications. This article delves into the intricacies of holmium, exploring its characteristics, applications, and the challenges and
Holmium: Navigating the Supply Chain of a Critical Mineral Read More »
Scandium, a rare earth metal, might not be as well-known as gold or silver, but its applications are vast and significant in various industries. This element, with the atomic number 21, is a silvery-white metallic d-block element, historically mined from Scandinavian countries, which is how it got its name. Despite its scarcity and the challenges
How is Scandium used? Read More »
The story of how scandium, a rare earth metal, received its name is as intriguing as the element itself. This tale not only sheds light on the discovery of scandium but also on the broader context of scientific discovery and naming conventions in the 19th century. To fully appreciate the significance of scandium’s nomenclature, it
How did Scandium get its name? Read More »
Exploring the world of minerals and stones unveils a fascinating realm where chemistry, physics, and natural beauty intersect. Among the myriad of elements that contribute to this diversity, samarium, a rare earth metal, holds a unique position. Not only does it play a crucial role in various industrial applications, but it also captivates with its
How many protons does Samarium have Read More »
Understanding Samarium: An Overview Samarium, a rare earth element with the symbol Sm and atomic number 62, is a fascinating subject within the field of minerals and stones. This element, named after the mineral samarskite from which it was first isolated, plays a crucial role in various industrial applications, including electronics, magnets, and nuclear reactors.
How many neutrons does Samarium have Read More »
Scandium, a rare earth metal, has piqued the interest of scientists, engineers, and technologists alike due to its unique properties and potential applications. This article delves into the electrical conductivity of scandium, exploring its characteristics, comparing it with other elements, and discussing its applications in various industries. Understanding the electrical behavior of scandium not only
Does Scandium conduct electricity? Read More »
The periodic table is a fascinating mosaic of elements, each with its unique properties and applications. Among these elements, transition metals hold a special place due to their versatile chemical and physical properties. However, there are elements like scandium and zinc that, despite being in the d-block of the periodic table, are not considered transition
Why Scandium and Zinc are not transition elements? Read More »
Scandium, with its atomic number 21, sits on the periodic table in a position that often sparks debate among chemists and mineralogists regarding its classification. Is it a transition metal, or does it belong to a different category altogether? This article delves into the intricacies of scandium’s properties, its placement on the periodic table, and
Why Scandium is not a transition element? Read More »
Scandium, a rare earth metal, has garnered significant attention in various industries due to its unique properties and applications. Despite its name suggesting a Scandinavian origin, scandium is dispersed widely across the earth’s crust and is not as regionally exclusive as one might think. This article delves into the geographical distribution of scandium, its extraction
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