Yttrium
Overview
Yttrium is a silvery rare earth metal that was discovered in the late 18th century. It's widely used in making red phosphors for LED displays and television screens. Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) is used in jewelry as a diamond simulant and in lasers. Medical applications include use in cancer treatments and certain types of radiation therapy.
Appearance
Silvery-metallic
Electron Configuration
[Kr] 4d¹5s²
Density
4.472 g/cm³
Melting Point
1526°C
Discovery
Discovery Timeline
Primary Uses
- LED and CRT displays (red phosphors)
- Cancer treatments
- Superconductors
- Microwave filters
Application Sectors
Economic Value
Current Price
$80 per kg
Price Trend
Supply Risk
Primary Producers
Investing in Yttrium
- Yttrium oxide (99.9%) trades at US $80-95 /kg FOB China (≈ US $0.088 /g) as of May 2025.
- European spot prices reach US $110-125 /kg due to supply chain logistics and medical certification requirements.
- Asian Metal's index shows moderate volatility driven by LED display and medical applications.
- Small-lot investors face 30-40% premiums above bulk prices.
- Metal prices carry 35-40% premium over oxide due to processing requirements and purity standards.
How to Get Exposure
| Route | Why It Appeals | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical metal/oxide | Direct exposure to LED display and medical markets | Storage requirements, oxidation sensitivity |
| Mining stocks | Operational leverage to display technology growth | Limited pure-play options |
| ETFs | Broader rare earth exposure | Limited Y-specific focus |
Market Outlook
- LED and CRT display phosphor applications driving steady baseline demand.
- Cancer treatment applications providing premium medical market exposure.
- Superconductor applications showing promise in energy transmission.
- Microwave filter applications creating specialized telecommunications demand.
- YAG laser applications in industrial cutting and medical procedures.
- Supply concentrated in China and Malaysia but less critical than heavy rare earths.
- Recycling rates improving from display panel and medical equipment upgrades.
- New mining projects in India and Australia diversifying supply sources.
- Research applications in quantum computing and advanced ceramics showing early promise.
FAQs
Why invest in Yttrium?
Yttrium offers exposure to LED display technology, medical treatments, and emerging superconductor applications, with more stable pricing than many other rare earths.
How volatile is the Yttrium market?
Moderately stable due to diverse applications across electronics, medical, and industrial sectors, though subject to display technology cycles.
What drives Yttrium demand?
LED phosphors for displays, cancer treatment applications, superconductors, microwave filters, and YAG lasers are the primary demand drivers.
How does Yttrium compare to other rare earth investments?
Yttrium offers mid-tier pricing with exposure to both mature (displays) and emerging (medical) applications, making it less volatile than scarce elements.
What are the key investment considerations?
Display technology evolution (OLED vs LED), medical treatment adoption rates, superconductor commercialization timeline, and supply diversification efforts.
Disclaimer: Market data is indicative and updates frequently; nothing here constitutes financial advice.