Yttrium is a rare earth element used in LEDs, phosphors, lasers, and high-performance alloys. Yttrium oxide is a key component in white LED phosphors that replaced traditional lighting.
Yttrium is essential for LED lighting, solid oxide fuel cells, and high-performance aerospace alloys. The U.S. is heavily dependent on Chinese imports.
Related Critical Minerals
Europium — Both used in red-phosphor displays and LED lighting
Cerium — Both used in phosphors, polishing powders and ceramic glazes
Dysprosium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Terbium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Gadolinium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Erbium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Frequently Asked Questions about Yttrium
What is the price of yttrium today?
Critical Minerals HQ tracks the live yttrium price in USD/kg, refreshed every 15 minutes during market hours from institutional pricing feeds.
What is yttrium used for?
Yttrium is a rare earth element used in LEDs, phosphors, lasers, and high-performance alloys. Yttrium oxide is a key component in white LED phosphors that replaced traditional lighting.
Which countries produce the most yttrium?
The leading producers of yttrium are China, Australia, United States, according to the latest USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries.
Why is yttrium considered a critical mineral?
Yttrium is essential for LED lighting, solid oxide fuel cells, and high-performance aerospace alloys. The U.S. is heavily dependent on Chinese imports.