Rare Earths
Definition and meaning of Rare Earths in chemistry.
Rare Earths are a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table, specifically the fifteen lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.
In more detail
Despite their name, rare earths are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, with cerium being the 25th most abundant element overall. They are termed 'rare' because they are typically found dispersed in low concentrations and rarely form highly concentrated, economically viable ore deposits, making them difficult and costly to extract. These elements exhibit uniquely similar chemical properties, along with exceptional magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical characteristics. Because of these traits, rare earths are crucial, irreplaceable components in many modern and green technologies, including smartphones, flat screen displays, electric vehicle motors, and wind turbine generators. They also have vital applications in industrial catalysts and defense systems.
Key facts
| Field | Inorganic Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Group | Lanthanides, plus Sc and Y |
| Properties | Strong magnetic and luminescent properties |
| Abundance | Relatively abundant, but hard to extract |
Neodymium is a rare earth element used to make powerful permanent magnets found in computer hard drives, audio speakers, and electric vehicle motors.
Frequently asked questions
Are rare earths actually rare?
No, they are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but they rarely form concentrated ore deposits.
Why are rare earths important?
They are essential materials in the production of modern electronics, clean energy technologies, and defense systems.