Yttrium
About Yttrium
Yttrium is classified with the rare earth elements due to similar chemical properties and co-occurrence in the same ore deposits. It is essential for yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers, LED phosphors, and yttria-stabilized zirconia used in thermal barrier coatings for jet engines and solid oxide fuel cells. Yttrium was the first rare earth element to be discovered and remains among the most commercially important.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Y
- Atomic Number
- 39
- Category
- Rare Earth Element
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Yttrium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Yttrium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Yttrium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Yttrium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Yttrium 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 Yttrium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Yttrium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Yttrium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Yttrium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Yttrium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Yttrium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Yttrium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Yttrium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.