<P> A rare - earth element ( REE ) or rare - earth metal ( REM ) , as defined by IUPAC , is one of a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table , specifically the fifteen lanthanides , as well as scandium and yttrium . Scandium and yttrium are considered rare - earth elements because they tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and exhibit similar chemical properties . For the same set of mineralogical , chemical , physical ( especially electron shell configuration ) , and related reasons , a broader definition of rare earth elements including the actinides is encountered in some cases . Thorium is a significant component of monazite and other important rare earth minerals , and uranium and decay products are found in others . Both series of elements begin on the periodic table in group 3 under yttrium and scandium . </P>
<P> A rare - earth element ( REE ) or rare - earth metal ( REM ) , as defined by IUPAC , is one of a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table , specifically the fifteen lanthanides , as well as scandium and yttrium . Scandium and yttrium are considered rare - earth elements because they tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and exhibit similar chemical properties . For the same set of mineralogical , chemical , physical ( especially electron shell configuration ) , and related reasons , a broader definition of rare earth elements including the actinides is encountered in some cases . Thorium is a significant component of monazite and other important rare earth minerals , and uranium and decay products are found in others . Both series of elements begin on the periodic table in group 3 under yttrium and scandium . </P>
where are the rare earth metals located on the periodic table
where are the rare earth metals located on the periodic table
begin on the periodic table in group 3 under yttrium and scandium
begin on the periodic table in group 3 under yttrium and scandium