Rare Earth Metals

Rare earth metals

All of the rare earth metals are always found in group 3 of the periodic table, and the 6th and 7th periods. The Rare Earth Elements are made up of two series of elements, the Lanthanide and Actinide Series.The thirty rare earth elements are composed of the lanthanide and actinide series. One element of the lanthanide series and most of the elements in the actinide series are called trans-uranium, which means man-made.

Abundance and uses on earth:

“Rare earth” metals aren’t as rare as they sound — in fact, you’re probably using some right now. They’re key to a variety of everyday devices, from tablet computers and TVs to hybrid cars and wind turbines, so it may be encouraging to know several kinds are actually common. Cerium, for example, is the 25th most abundant element on Earth.

 So why are they called “rare” earths? The name alludes to their elusive nature, since the 17 elements rarely exist in pure form. Instead, they mix diffusely with other minerals underground, making them costly to extract.

Common Properties of the Rare Earths:

 

• These common properties apply to both the lanthanides and actinides.

• The rare earths are silver, silvery-white, or gray metals.

• The metals have a high luster, but tarnish readily in air.

• The metals have high electrical conductivity.

• The rare earths share many common properties. This makes them difficult to separate or even distinguish from each other.

• There are very small differences in solubility and complex formation between the rare earths.