What Are Rare Earths and What Are They Used For?
Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements mainly belonging to the lanthanide series of the periodic table, along with scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, they are not particularly rare in the Earth’s crust, but they are found in low concentrations and often mixed with other minerals, which makes their extraction and processing complex and costly.
Among the most well-known are neodymium, cerium, lanthanum, ytterbium, and dysprosium, all of which have strategic applications in modern industry.
Why Are They Called “Rare Earths”?
The term comes from their historical discovery. In the 19th century, chemists identified these elements in unusual minerals referred to as “earths.” Since separating and purifying them was extremely difficult due to their similar chemical properties, they were considered “rare.” Today, although they are more abundant than originally thought, their exploitation remains challenging and their strategic value high.
Key Properties
Rare earths possess unique magnetic, luminescent, and catalytic properties, making them essential for contemporary technology. Their ability to generate powerful magnetic fields, produce light under certain conditions, and act as industrial catalysts explains their wide range of applications.
What Are They Used For?
- Technology and Electronics
- Neodymium is used in the world’s strongest permanent magnets, found in headphones, speakers, hard drives, and electric motors.
- Europium and terbium are essential in LED and fluorescent displays, ensuring sharp and bright colors.
- Renewable Energy
- Neodymium- and dysprosium-based magnets are crucial for wind turbines and electric vehicles, enabling the energy transition.
- Automotive Industry
- Beyond electric motors, some rare earths are used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from combustion engines.
- Medicine
- Gadolinium is indispensable in MRI scans, enhancing the accuracy of medical imaging.
- Defense and Aerospace
- They play a role in radars, lasers, satellite communication systems, and guidance technologies, making them strategically vital for national security.
- Everyday Technologies
- Lanthanum is used in nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries found in portable devices and hybrid vehicles.
A Strategic Resource
Beyond their wide range of uses, rare earths carry significant geopolitical weight. Today, China accounts for more than 80% of global production, giving it a dominant position in the market. This situation raises international concerns and drives efforts to recycle electronic products to recover these materials and diversify supply sources.
Conclusion
Though invisible in our daily lives, rare earths are the backbone of many modern technologies. From smartphones to wind turbines, they have become strategic resources, poised to play an even more crucial role in the transition toward a technological and sustainable future.