In 1828, yttrium was discovered in a new mineral, gadolinite, which was found near the
Swedish town Ytterby. Today, commercial-grade yttrium is obtained from
monazite sand, a mixture of phosphates of
thorium,
cerium, and most of the other
rare-earths. Separation of yttrium is achieved by an
ion exchange process.
Yttrium is a silvery, ductile metal. As a powder, yttrium burns easily. It is moderately light-weight
and is considered as a rare-earth element. The major use of the metal includes its use:
as an additive or alloying ingredient with a number of other metals. Additions of small
amount of yttrium increases resistance to oxidation at high temperatures.
in today's colour television tubes. Yttrium oxide is used with
europium in
phosphors for the brilliant red colour in television
tubes.
