Yttrium

Yttrium is a lanthanide group metal which is found in most rare earth minerals, particularly yttrotantalite which, whilst containing yttrium and tantalum, also contains niobium, cerium, uranium, iron and calcium in varying amounts. The metal is stable in air due to the formation of an oxide film, but it will burn easily and will react with water to produce hydrogen. Yttrium is used as yttrium phosphor to produce the red colours on television screens and monitors. It also finds applications as a constituent of superconductors as well as in X-ray filters, superalloys and fireproof bricks. The radioactive isotope, ⁹⁰Y, can be used as needles to treat pain transmitting nerves in the spinal area.

Symbol

Y

Discovered

J. Gadolin in Abo, Finland, in 1794.

Abundance

Found in Ytterby, Sweden, the town which gave its name to several elements. It has an abundance of 30 ppm in the earth’s crust.

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Atomic number	39		Clip
Atomic / Molecular Weight	88.9059	gmol-1	Clip
Density	4475	kgm-3	Clip
Crystal Structure	hcp / bcc at 1763K		Clip
Lattice constant	365	fm	Clip
Melting Point	1783	K	Clip
Boiling Point	3573	K	Clip
Specific heat capacity	297	Jkg-1K-1	Clip
Thermal conductivity	17	Wm-1K-1	Clip

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See also: Periodic Table.