ritkaföldfémércek

Ritkaföldfémércek is the Hungarian term for rare earth elements. These are a group of seventeen chemical elements with similar geochemical properties. The group includes the fifteen lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium. Scandium and yttrium are often considered rare earth elements because they tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and have similar chemical properties.

Despite their name, most rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust. However, due to their geochemical properties, they are rarely found in economically concentrated deposits. They are also difficult and expensive to extract and refine. Their unique properties, such as luminescence and magnetism, make them essential components in many high-tech applications.

These applications include magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines, catalysts for petroleum refining, phosphors for lighting and displays, and components in lasers, batteries, and sonar systems. China has historically been the dominant producer of rare earth elements, though other countries are increasing their production capacity. The strategic importance of rare earth elements has led to geopolitical considerations regarding their supply chains and trade.