Yttrium price index

Yttrium price index

This post is a summary of the Yttrium developments. The price developments of Yttrium are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Yttrium price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Yttrium rices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Yttrium prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Yttrium
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Yttrium prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Yttrium market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Yttrium price index

 

What is Yttrium

Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transition metal and is classified as a rare earth element. Yttrium is named after the village of Ytterby in Sweden, where it was first discovered.

Key properties of yttrium include:

Atomic Structure

Yttrium has an atomic number of 39, meaning it has 39 protons in its nucleus. It belongs to group 3 and period 5 of the periodic table.

Physical Properties

Yttrium is a relatively soft metal with a silvery-white appearance. It has a density similar to that of iron and a melting point of approximately 1523°C (2773°F).

Chemical Properties

Yttrium is a reactive metal and readily forms compounds with other elements. It can exist in various oxidation states, including +3, which is the most common oxidation state observed in yttrium compounds.

Stability

Yttrium is stable in air at room temperature but can react with oxygen and moisture when heated. It forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, which helps prevent further oxidation.

Alloying Agent

Yttrium is often used as an alloying element in the production of various metals and alloys. Yttrium-containing alloys exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

Phosphors

Yttrium compounds are used as phosphors in fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and cathode ray tubes (CRTs). Yttrium-based phosphors emit light when excited by an external energy source and are used to produce different colors of light in display and lighting applications.

Ceramics

Yttrium oxide (yttria) is used as a component in ceramic materials, particularly in yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics. YSZ ceramics exhibit high strength, toughness, and thermal stability, making them suitable for applications such as dental crowns, thermal barrier coatings, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

Medical Imaging

Yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope of yttrium, is used in nuclear medicine for cancer treatment. Yttrium-90 is used in radiotherapy to deliver targeted radiation therapy to tumors, particularly in the treatment of liver cancer and certain types of metastatic cancers.

Overall, yttrium’s unique combination of properties makes it valuable in various industrial, technological, and medical applications, particularly in materials science, electronics, lighting, and healthcare.

 

How is Yttrium produced

Yttrium is primarily produced through mining and extraction processes, and it finds various applications across different industries. Here’s an overview of how yttrium is produced and its common uses:

Production of Yttrium

Mining: Yttrium is typically found in rare earth minerals such as xenotime, monazite, and bastnäsite. These minerals are mined using conventional mining techniques, such as open-pit or underground mining.

Ore Processing

Once the yttrium-containing ores are extracted from the ground, they undergo processing to extract yttrium and other rare earth elements. Processing methods may include crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, and flotation to concentrate the yttrium-bearing minerals.

Chemical Extraction

After beneficiation, the yttrium-bearing minerals are subjected to chemical extraction processes to separate yttrium from other rare earth elements and impurities. This typically involves leaching the ores with acids such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, followed by solvent extraction or precipitation to isolate yttrium compounds.

Refining

The yttrium compounds obtained from chemical extraction may undergo further refining processes to remove any remaining impurities and achieve the desired purity level. Refining methods may include recrystallization, vacuum distillation, or zone refining.

Final Product

The final product of the yttrium production process is typically yttrium oxide (Y2O3) or yttrium metal, depending on the intended application. Yttrium oxide is a white powder used in ceramics, phosphors, and other applications, while yttrium metal is used as an alloying agent in metals and alloys.

 

What is Yttrium used for

Alloying Agent

Yttrium is commonly used as an alloying element in the production of various metals and alloys. Yttrium-containing alloys exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Yttrium-aluminum alloys, for example, are used in aerospace components and sports equipment.

Ceramics

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3), also known as yttria, is used as a component in ceramic materials. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics exhibit high strength, toughness, and thermal stability, making them suitable for applications such as dental crowns, thermal barrier coatings, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

Phosphors

Yttrium compounds are used as phosphors in fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and cathode ray tubes (CRTs). Yttrium-based phosphors emit light when excited by an external energy source and are used to produce different colors of light in display and lighting applications.

Medical Imaging

Yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope of yttrium, is used in nuclear medicine for cancer treatment. Yttrium-90 is used in radiotherapy to deliver targeted radiation therapy to tumors, particularly in the treatment of liver cancer and certain types of metastatic cancers.

Metallurgy

Yttrium is used in metallurgical applications to improve the properties of metals and alloys. Yttrium-containing alloys are used in aerospace components, automotive parts, and structural materials.

Magnets

Yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) and yttrium-iron-cobalt (YIG) magnets are used in microwave devices, magnetic sensors, and telecommunications equipment.

Electronics

Yttrium is used in electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and semiconductors. Yttrium-doped materials are investigated for their potential applications in high-power electronic devices and microwave amplifiers.

Overall, yttrium’s unique combination of properties makes it valuable in various industrial, technological, and medical applications, particularly in materials science, electronics, lighting, and healthcare.

 

How big is the global Yttrium market

The main rare earth elements ranked in decreasing order of market size are:

Neodymium (Nd): Neodymium is often ranked as one of the most valuable rare earth elements due to its crucial role in the production of high-strength permanent magnets used in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Cerium (Ce): Cerium is among the most abundant rare earth elements and is used in various industrial applications, such as catalysts, glass polishing, and metallurgy.

Lanthanum (La): Lanthanum is used in catalysts, ceramics, optics, and as a component in certain types of batteries and fuel cells.

Dysprosium (Dy): Dysprosium is used to improve the high-temperature performance of neodymium-iron-boron magnets. It is essential for the growth of the clean energy and electric vehicle markets.

Praseodymium (Pr): Praseodymium is used in combination with neodymium to produce high-strength magnets. It is vital in the manufacture of electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Europium (Eu): Europium is primarily used in phosphors for color television tubes, LED lighting, and other display technologies.

Terbium (Tb): Terbium is used in phosphors for color television tubes, fluorescent lamps, and as an activator for green phosphors.

Yttrium (Y): Yttrium is not a lanthanide, but it is often grouped with rare earth elements. It is used in a variety of applications, including ceramics, superconductors, and phosphors.

It’s important to note that market rankings may change over time as new technologies and applications emerge and as supply and demand conditions evolve. The demand for rare earth elements is influenced by various industries, including electronics, automotive, renewable energy, and more. For the most current market information and rankings, it’s advisable to consult industry reports and market analysis from reputable sources