Ytterbium
About Ytterbium
Ytterbium is a heavy rare earth element increasingly important in high-power fiber laser technology used in industrial cutting, welding, and defense applications. Ytterbium-doped fiber lasers offer high efficiency and beam quality superior to other laser types. Next-generation atomic clocks based on ytterbium are being developed as potential replacements for cesium-based standards with orders-of-magnitude better precision.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Yb
- Atomic Number
- 70
- Category
- Rare Earth Element
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Ytterbium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Ytterbium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Ytterbium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Ytterbium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Ytterbium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Ytterbium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Ytterbium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Ytterbium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Ytterbium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Ytterbium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Ytterbium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Ytterbium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Ytterbium.
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