yttrium [Y]
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Introduction
From Ytterby, Sweden, a source of many unusual minerals. Discovered in 1789 by Finnish chemist Yohann Gadolin.
Occurrence
- found with other rare-earth elements combined in the form of minerals
Characteristics
- metallic element usually included among the rare-earth metals which it resembles chemically
- stable in air
- very reactive with halogens
- mildly toxic when ingested
Uses
- X-ray filters
- superconductors
- yttrium oxide is combined with europium to give the red phosphor in color television tubes
- yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (YAG laser)