Entity: YTTRIUM
Yttrium is a metallic element commonly found in rare-earth minerals, used in various applications such as phosphors, lasers, and alloys.
Yttrium
Etymology
The name 'yttrium' is derived from the Swedish village of Ytterby, where the mineral ytterbite was discovered.
Definition
Yttrium is a rare trivalent metallic element, found in gadolinite and other minerals, with atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transition metal chemically similar to the lanthanides.
Historical Context
Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by Johan Gadolin and has since been used in various industrial applications due to its unique properties.
Cultural Significance
Yttrium is often included in the rare-earth group and is used in phosphors, YAG lasers, alloys, and medical treatments.
Related Concepts
Yttrium is chemically similar to the lanthanides and is commonly found in combination with them in rare-earth minerals.
See Also
A rare trivalent metallic element, found in gadolinite and other minerals, with atomic number 39.