What Are The Common Rare Earths？

Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements that are not actually rare in terms of their abundance in the Earth's crust, but are referred to as such because they are difficult to extract and process. These elements have unique magnetic, optical, and electrical properties that make them essential for a range of high technology applications, including smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and aerospace technologies.
There are 17 rare earth elements, each with its own distinct properties. The most common rare earth elements include cerium, neodymium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and yttrium. Cerium is one of the most widely used rare earth elements, as it is essential for catalytic converters in automobiles. It is also used in glass polishing compounds, phosphors in electronic displays, and in carbon arc lighting.
Neodymium is another vital rare earth element that is used in the manufacturing of powerful permanent magnets in motors for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other technologies. Lanthanum is also commonly used in these applications, particularly in rechargeable batteries. It is used in the electrodes of nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are commonly found in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Praseodymium is used in several high technology applications, including magnets for electric motors, lasers, and in the glass industry. Yttrium is used in several applications that require a high-temperature resistance, including ceramics for missile nose cones and heat-resistant alloys for aircraft engines.
Other rare earth elements include europium, gadolinium, samarium, and terbium, each with its unique properties and applications. For example, europium is used in red phosphors for color television displays and lighting, while gadolinium is used in medical imaging and neutron capture therapy.
In summary, rare earth elements are critical components in a range of high technology applications. While there are 17 different rare earth elements, the most common ones include cerium, neodymium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and yttrium. These elements have unique properties that make them essential for a range of applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and medical imaging technology.