yttriums

Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a soft, silvery-white, lustrous metal. Yttrium is classified as a rare earth element, though it is not as rare as its name might suggest. It is found in many minerals, most notably in the mineral yttrium, which is named after it, and monazite and bastnäsite.

In its pure form, yttrium is a relatively stable metal. However, it tarnishes in air, forming a protective oxide layer. Yttrium reacts with water, though slowly at room temperature. It is soluble in dilute acids. Yttrium is paramagnetic at room temperature.

The most common use of yttrium is in the production of phosphors for color television sets. Yttrium oxide is used to produce a red phosphor, while yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) is used as a laser material. Yttrium compounds are also used in the production of microwave filters, electrodes for high-temperature applications, and in certain alloys. Yttrium compounds have also been investigated for their potential in medicinal applications, though widespread use has not yet been established.

Yttrium was discovered by Johan Gadolin in 1794 and isolated in 1828 by Friedrich Wöhler. Its name is derived from Ytterby, a village in Sweden where it was first found.