Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements comprising the lanthanides (lanthanum to lutetium) plus scandium and yttrium, characterized by partially filled 4f electron shells that confer unique magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties. In geochemistry and materials science, REEs are typically divided into light and heavy subgroups based on atomic number and ionic radius, which control partitioning behavior, coordination chemistry, and lattice incorporation in minerals. Their coherent but subtly fractionated behavior in magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes makes REE patterns powerful tracers of source composition, redox conditions, and fluid–rock interaction in Earth and planetary systems.
Ever wonder what happens to those old, broken electronics after tossing them? How about how new ones are being produced despite dwindling resources? The seemingly endless supply of gadgets hides an increasingly critical problem: ...
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 17, 2025
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The discovery of "hidden orders," organization patterns in materials that cannot be detected using conventional measurement tools, can yield valuable insight, which can in turn support the design of new materials with advantageous ...
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) have developed a novel method for investigating the internal structure of atoms and discovered previously unknown atomic transitions ...
General Physics
Aug 25, 2025
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Rare earth elements thread invisibly through daily life, quietly powering everything from laptops to smartphones to cars. "They're essential ingredients for our modern lives," said Virginia Tech mining expert Aaron Noble.
Earth Sciences
Aug 11, 2025
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Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have discovered a surprising new type of magnetic property that could lead to stronger magnets made from tiny particles of common iron oxide. This finding could enhance ...
Condensed Matter
Jul 17, 2025
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Japan will from January attempt to extract rare earth minerals from the ocean floor in the deepest trial of its kind, the director of a government innovation program said Thursday.
Environment
Jul 3, 2025
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They're in the headlines every week—critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and the rare earth elements essential for high-technology and national security applications.
Earth Sciences
Jun 30, 2025
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In an increasingly connected world, rare earth metals with odd names such as lanthanum, cerium and yttrium have become strategic assets. They are used in everything from mobile phones to wind turbines to electric vehicles. ...
Environment
Jun 17, 2025
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Rare earth elements are critical to many industries—used in electric motors, medical imaging and diagnostics, oil and gas refining, and computer and phone screens. The 17 rare earth elements all have important uses and are ...
Earth Sciences
May 5, 2025
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A more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to extracting rare earth elements that power everything from electric vehicle batteries to smartphones could increase domestic supply and decrease reliance on costly ...
Nanomaterials
Apr 30, 2025
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