top of page
RareEarths with Labels.PNG

About Rare Earths

Rare earth minerals in the alluvials are contained in the rare earth phosphate minerals, monazite ([Ce, La, Y, Th]PO4) and xenotime (YPO4).  The term ‘Rare Earths’ refers to a group of 15 chemical elements, with similar properties and with atomic numbers ranging from 57-71.  Rare earths are also termed ‘lanthanides’, deriving from the transition element Lanthanum.  Yttrium is commonly included with the RE elements because it tends to occur in association with them due to its similar chemical properties.  The first four lanthanide elements, from Lanthanum to Neodymium are referred to as the ‘light’ RE elements (“LREE”), Samarium to Gadolinium are referred to as the ‘mid’ RE elements (“MREE”), while the remaining elements, Terbium to Lutetium plus Yttrium, comprise the Yttrium subgroup or ‘heavy’ RE elements (“HREE”).

Click on a rare earth below to find out more
Sc
Scandium
Y
Yttrium
La
Lanthanum
Ce
Cerium
Pr
Praseodymium
Nd
Neodymium
Sm
Samarium
Eu
Europium
Gd
Gadolinium
Tb
Terbium
Dy
Dysprosium
Ho
Holmium
Er
Erbium
Tm
Thulium 
Yb
Ytterbium
Lu
Lutetium

Lanthanum has a multitude of uses. Commonly found in the anode of nickel hydride batteries. Extensively used in carbon lighting applications, such as studio lighting and cinema projection. They increase the brightness and give an emission spectrum similar to sunlight. Lanthanum(III) oxide is used in making special optical glasses, as it improves the optical properties and alkali resistance of the glass.

bottom of page