Rare Earth Elements

The lanthanides (elements 57-71) are called rare earth elements, though most are not actually rare — cerium is more abundant than copper. The name stuck because they were so hard to isolate from one another.

They are critical to modern technology. Neodymium makes the strongest permanent magnets, used in wind turbines and electric motors. Europium produces the red color in screens and displays.

China controls over 60% of global rare earth production, creating geopolitical tension. Other countries are racing for alternative sources because these elements are irreplaceable in smartphones, defense systems, and clean energy.