A group of 17 elements
The group includes the 15 lanthanides in the periodic table and, by mineral and industrial convention, scandium and yttrium. They do not form a single ore. They occur across different minerals and deposits, usually as a mixture that must be characterized, concentrated, and processed.
Each element has its own magnetic, optical, catalytic, or electronic properties. A total rare-earth figure therefore says little about the usefulness of a deposit. Element-by-element composition, mineralogy, and separability are decisive.
Why they are called rare
Several of these elements are relatively abundant in Earth's crust. What is less common are geological concentrations whose grade, volume, mineralogy, location, and processing conditions can support a project. Brasil Terras Raras distinguishes resources from reserves because geological knowledge and technical and economic viability are not the same thing.
Their chemical similarity is another factor. After extraction and physical beneficiation, chemical separation may require many stages before reaching the purity specified by an industrial application.
Where rare earths are used
Neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are associated with high-performance permanent magnets. Cerium and lanthanum appear in catalysts and polishing. Europium, terbium, and yttrium participate in luminescent materials. Erbium, neodymium, and ytterbium have applications in optics and lasers.
These functions span electric motors, wind generators, electronics, sensors, telecommunications, medical equipment, and industrial processes. Not every product uses every element, and not every technology depends on the same material.
The right reading starts with the chain
A geological occurrence is only the beginning. Between rock and a final component lie mineral exploration, resource evaluation, permitting, extraction, concentration, separation, oxide production, metallization, alloys, and manufacturing.
Understanding rare earths means following this sequence. It explains why large reserves do not automatically become production, technological leadership, or supply security.
Sources and documentary base
References consulted for the review dated August 16, 2026. Links lead to the original publications.
- Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Rare EarthsU.S. Geological Survey, 2026
- Terras raras: aplicações atuais e reciclagemCETEM/MCTI, 2013
Sources support the general context. Evaluating a specific area or project requires first-party data, a declared method, and review by qualified professionals.