Overview
Yttrium is a silvery transition metal often grouped with rare earths and used to enhance materials for electronics and optics.
Properties
It commonly exhibits a +3 oxidation state, forms stable oxides and contributes to high temperature and electronic material properties.
Occurrence and Uses
Yttrium is used in phosphors for LEDs and displays, superconducting materials and advanced ceramics and is recovered from rare earth mineral deposits.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope Y 89 is natural; yttrium compounds are handled with standard precautions though some forms can be irritants.