A
Verified source
We bring form, purity, origin and delivery terms together in a single brief.
- Source
- Specification
ROSORE / KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Rare earths.
Sourcing guide.
The properties and commercial forms of 17 elements, and the sourcing process from source to delivery.
Go to the element catalogue01
APPROACH
WHERE SOURCING BECOMES CHALLENGING
Beyond materials,
an architecture for access.
Rosana brings the source, chemical form, counterparty, route and end use together within a single decision framework.
Documented.
Multiple sources.
Compliant with regulations.
Multiple sources.
Compliant with regulations.
17Rare earth element
06Enquiry definition field
04Risk and decision layer
02
MATERIALS
RARE EARTH ELEMENTS
Before the element,
the specification.
The 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium: atomic structures, applications and commercial forms of 17 elements.
Element applications and sourcing information
In addition to the element cards, the sections below explain applications and material forms. This reference is informational and does not guarantee stock or supply.
LaLanthanum
A light rare earth element used in applications ranging from optical glass to NiMH batteries and hydrogen storage alloys.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Speciality optical glass and camera lenses
- NiMH battery anodes and hydrogen storage
- Petroleum refinery catalysts
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃)
- Lanthanum metal
- La-Ni / hydrogen storage alloy
CeCerium
The most abundant lanthanide, used in emissions control, precision glass processing and lighting applications.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Catalytic converters and industrial catalysis
- Precision glass polishing and optical surfaces
- Lighting, displays and speciality pigments
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Cerium oxide (CeO₂)
- Cerium metal
- Mischmetal / catalyst input
PrPraseodymium
A critical lanthanide used in applications ranging from NdPr magnet alloys to speciality glass.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Permanent magnet alloys
- High-strength magnesium alloys
- Colouring for speciality glass, enamels and glazes
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Praseodymium oxide
- Praseodymium metal
- NdPr alloy / magnet input
NdNeodymium
One of the key inputs for high-performance permanent magnets.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Electric motors and generators
- Wind turbines and precision electronics
- Nd:YAG lasers and speciality optical glass
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃)
- Neodymium metal
- NdFeB / NdPr magnet input
PmPromethium
A radioactive lanthanide with no stable isotopes, limited to research and controlled use in specialised devices.
RADIOACTIVE · CONTROLLED USE
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Scientific research and calibration
- Specialised atomic / betavoltaic batteries
- X-ray and radiometric measurement devices
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Promethium-147 controlled isotope
- Sealed source / reference capsule
- Research-scale compounds
SmSamarium
A lanthanide used in high-temperature-stable SmCo magnets and specialised optical applications.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- High-temperature samarium-cobalt magnets
- Optical lasers and infrared-absorbing glass
- Neutron absorption, glass and speciality ceramics
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃)
- Samarium metal
- SmCo alloy / magnet input
EuEuropium
A high-value lanthanide known for its red luminescence under UV light and its use in lighting phosphors.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Markers for banknotes and security printing
- Phosphors for low-energy lighting
- Laser materials and speciality alloys
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Europium oxide (Eu₂O₃)
- Europium metal
- Phosphor-grade europium compounds
GdGadolinium
A lanthanide known for its magnetic properties, alloy performance and neutron absorption capability.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Magnetic resonance imaging compounds
- Magnets, electronics and data storage
- Heat- and oxidation-resistant alloys
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃)
- Gadolinium metal
- High-purity compound / alloy input
TbTerbium
A heavy rare earth element used in phosphors, solid-state devices and magnetostrictive alloys.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Solid-state devices and lasers
- Low-energy lighting and X-ray screens
- Magnetostrictive actuators and sensors
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Terbium oxide (Tb₄O₇)
- Terbium metal
- Tb-Dy-Fe alloy / phosphor input
DyDysprosium
A heavy rare earth element that helps magnets retain their magnetic performance at high temperatures.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- High-temperature NdFeB magnets
- Electric motors and generators
- Specialised lighting and absorption materials
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Dysprosium oxide (Dy₂O₃)
- Dysprosium metal
- Magnet alloy additive
HoHolmium
A heavy lanthanide known for its strong magnetic response and specialised optical applications.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Solid-state laser crystals
- Specialised magnets and magnetic alloys
- Neutron absorption and reactor control
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃)
- Holmium metal
- Ho-doped crystal / alloy input
ErErbium
A heavy lanthanide with a critical role in fibre-optic signal amplification and speciality glass.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Signal amplification in fibre-optic cables
- Lasers and infrared-absorbing glass
- Pink glass, ceramics and speciality alloys
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Erbium oxide (Er₂O₃)
- Erbium metal
- Er-doped fibre / optical crystal
TmThulium
A rare heavy lanthanide used in portable X-ray sources and specialised laser systems.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Lightweight and portable X-ray sources
- Surgical and industrial lasers
- Research and speciality optical materials
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃)
- Thulium metal
- Tm-doped crystal / isotope input
YbYtterbium
A heavy lanthanide used in applications ranging from tunable and fibre lasers to cleaner catalytic systems.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- High-power fibre and tunable lasers
- Industrial catalysis applications
- Memory devices and speciality alloys
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃)
- Ytterbium metal
- Yb-doped fibre / crystal
LuLutetium
The final lanthanide, used in high-density scintillation crystals and selective catalysis applications.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Scintillators for PET and radiation detectors
- Research and precision imaging systems
- Hydrocarbon catalysis in petroleum refining
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Lutetium oxide (Lu₂O₃)
- Lutetium metal
- Lu-doped scintillation crystal
ScScandium
An element that can improve the performance of aluminium alloys at low addition levels.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- Lightweight aluminium-scandium alloys
- High-performance sports equipment
- Metal halide lighting and research
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃)
- Scandium metal
- Al-Sc master alloy
YYttrium
A rare earth element used in optical, laser, LED and advanced glass/ceramic applications.
01 / WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- YAG lasers and white LEDs
- Heat- and shock-resistant optical glass
- Alloy additives and advanced materials
02 / COMMERCIAL FORMS
- Yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃)
- Yttrium metal
- YAG / speciality yttrium compounds
ENQUIRY DETAILS
Element/CAS or HS code · form · purity · particle characteristics · quantity · Incoterm · target date · end use
03
CAPABILITIES
FROM SOURCE TO DELIVERY
One requirement.
Four decision layers.
B
Supply continuity
We compare secondary sources and alternative corridors when quotas, licences or routes disrupt supply.
- Secondary source
- Scenario
C
Geopolitical coordination
We manage stakeholder coordination, risk and escalation processes during cross-border tensions.
- Risk map
- Coordination
D
Compliance and traceability
We assess counterparties, origin, end use and trade controls on a risk basis.
- KYC / UBO
- Documentation
ROSANA / BUSINESS AREAS
Critical materials
ecosystem.
Explore our areas of activity, from sourcing to advanced applications.
SourceVerified refining
Electric driveNdFeB magnet inputs
AssuranceOrigin, documentation and end use
Energy & opticsAlloys, glass and hydrogen
Supply continuityAlternative supply corridors
Advanced manufacturingHigh-precision magnets
SpecificationCommercial form and purity
Heavy rare earthsHigh-temperature performance
SourceVerified refining
AssuranceOrigin, documentation and end use
Catalysis & glassPrecision industrial applications
Supply continuityAlternative supply corridors
Advanced manufacturingHigh-precision magnets
Sensors & actuatorsControlled motion systems
SpecificationCommercial form and purity
SourceVerified refining
Energy & opticsAlloys, glass and hydrogen
SpecificationCommercial form and purity
Electric driveNdFeB magnet inputs
Supply continuityAlternative supply corridors
Heavy rare earthsHigh-temperature performance
AssuranceOrigin, documentation and end use
Catalysis & glassPrecision industrial applications
Advanced manufacturingHigh-precision magnets
Sensors & actuatorsControlled motion systems
04
OPERATIONS CORRIDOR
THE PATH OF AN ENQUIRY
From uncertainty
to controlled execution.
- 01
Define
Form, purity, quantity and end use.
- 02
Review
Origin, parties and applicable controls.
- 03
Compare
Source, lead time, documentation, route and risk.
- 04
Coordinate
Contract, inspection, logistics and delivery.
06
COMPLIANCE / ASSURANCE
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Documentable.
Traceable.
Open to review.
Commercial speed and regulatory discipline are considered together in every decision.
Reference framework: OECD Minerals Guidance01
Counterparty & beneficial owner
KYC, UBO, reputation and relationships between parties
02
Origin & chain of custody
Source, producer, refinery and shipment traceability
03
Product & end use
Classification, HS/CAS, end user and application
04
Trade controls
Applicable sanctions, export, transit and customs rules
05
Documentation package
CoA, SDS, origin and independent inspection requirements
Rosana does not support transactions where the proposed activity conflicts with applicable sanctions, export controls, customs rules, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering or responsible sourcing requirements. Website content does not constitute a binding offer, an availability guarantee, or legal or investment advice.
EN / GLOBAL PROJECTS
Critical materials.
Clear decisions.
Cross-border sourcing, supply continuity and risk coordination — with origin, counterparty, end use and trade controls built into every mandate.
EUROPETURKEYMENAASIA
07
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Clear questions.
Clear boundaries.
How should a rare earth element enquiry be specified?+
Alongside the element, specify the chemical form, purity, particle characteristics, packaging, quantity/frequency, delivery terms, target date and end use.
Are critical minerals and rare earth elements the same?+
No. Rare earths are a group of 17 elements comprising the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Critical mineral lists cover a broader range of raw materials and vary by country and policy.
What documentation can be assessed?+
Depending on the enquiry, a CoA, SDS, certificate of origin, producer/refinery information, inspection records, transport documents and end-user declarations may be requested.
Does Rosana facilitate the circumvention of sanctions or export controls?+
No. Our operating model considers only documented options that comply with applicable regulations and are subject to risk-based review; we do not provide circumvention or covert transaction services.