Yttrium

A heavy rare earth used in zirconia ceramics, phosphors and laser crystals, supplied almost entirely through Chinese processing.

Tech & minor metals · No. 49

• EU critical 2023
• US critical 2025

Yttrium stabilises the zirconia in fuel cells and dental ceramics, and nearly all of it passes through Chinese processing.

Chart: Illustration: Yttrium

Where it comes from

Chart: Map of where it comes from

The richest sources are ion-adsorption clays in southern China and Myanmar, leached rather than milled. USGS estimates 10,000-15,000 t of oxide was mined in 2025.

Three things to know

1. Yttrium is only about 0.12% of the rare earths in Mountain Pass bastnaesite ore, so ionic clays in southern China and Myanmar are the richest sources.
2. Yttrium aluminium garnet hosts laser ions, and phosphors, lasers and chip-chamber coatings need 99.999% purity, since trace rare earths spoil them.
3. In zirconia, calcium or magnesium oxide can replace yttria only with lower toughness; in electronics, lasers and phosphors there is generally no substitute.

The journey

1. 1 OreIon-adsorption clays, xenotime or monazite
2. 2 LeachingClays leached in place or in heaps
3. 3 SeparationCracking and solvent extraction
4. 4 Oxide or metal99.999% yttrium oxide or metal
5. 5 End usesStabilised zirconia, phosphors, YAG laser crystals

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