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Yttrium

Yttrium Facts

This metal was discovered in 1794 by J. Gadolin at Abo, Finland. The principle ore of yttrium is gadolinite. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that is stable in air due to the formation of an oxide layer on the surface. It burns if ignited and is attacked by water and forms hydrogen.

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Yttrium is used to produce the red colour in TV screens, X-ray filaments, superconductors and as an ingredient in some super alloys.

Atomic no.
Relative Atomic Mass
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Electrical Resistivity
Young's Modulus
Heat Capacity
Abundance 
Thermal Conductivity
39
88.91
1526 °C
2730 °C
4469 kg/m3
596 nΩ⋅m
66.5 GPa
26.5 J/K⋅mol
30 ppm
17.2 W/m⋅K

TV’s, lasers, ceramics and catalysts all have one thing in common – compounds of Yttrium. 

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It is yttrium oxide-europium phosphor which produces the red colour in TV tubes. Other compounds are effective microwave filters, catalysts in ethene polymerisation, and additions in magnets.

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The fact that the oxide has a high melting point can add characteristics like shock resistance and low expansion to glass enabling it to have a wide use in the ceramics and glass industry.

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As an ingredient in alloys it can strengthen other metals such as chromium, aluminium and magnesium.

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