Rare earth elements (REE) are 17 elements (15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium). The lanthanides are the elements 57-71 in the periodic table. These elements have certain fluorescent, conductive or magnetic properties that make them useful in components such as magnets, catalysts, rechargeable batteries, and LED lights and displays.
The most common REEs are these ones:
Lanthanum (element 57). Useful for optical glass, and needed in nickel-metal-hydride batteries.
Cerium (element 58). Used in colored glass, flat-panel displays, automobile catalytic converters, and petroleum refining.
Neodymium (element 60). Important for permanent magnets.
Yttrium (element 39). Used in certain metal alloys, visual displays, lasers, and lighting.
The uses of REEs are important for the modern and future economy. As of now, China controls the production and processing of these elements which gives it significant leverage.
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