Lutetium (Lu): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Lutetium is the last of the lanthanides and one of the rarest and most expensive rare earths. Lutetium is used in PET scanner crystals and, as the isotope lutetium-177, in targeted cancer treatments.
| Symbol | Lu |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 71 |
| Group | Heavy rare earth (HREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | PET scanner crystals; Cancer radiotherapy; Catalysts |
| Main sources | Heavy rare earth ores, mainly ionic adsorption clays in China and Myanmar |
| China export status | Export licence required (since April 2025) |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Lutetium Price
There is no public benchmark for lutetium; it trades in very small volumes at high prices.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Lutetium Used For?
- PET scanner crystals. Lutetium-based scintillator crystals detect gamma rays in PET medical imaging.
- Cancer radiotherapy. Lutetium-177 is attached to molecules that target cancer cells, as in treatments for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers.
- Catalysts. Lutetium has minor uses in refining and chemical catalysts.
Where Does Lutetium Come From?
Lutetium is present in tiny amounts in rare earth ores and separated mainly in China. Medical lutetium-177 is made in nuclear reactors, either from lutetium-176 or from ytterbium-176 targets.
China export controls on lutetium
China has required an export licence for this element since April 2025, alongside samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. Licences are granted case by case, which has caused delays and price gaps between China and other markets.
How to Invest in Lutetium
Lutetium has no dedicated investment vehicle among rare earth companies. Growth in lutetium-177 cancer therapy benefits pharmaceutical and isotope companies more than rare earth miners.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Lutetium Investment Risks
- Very small market with little price transparency.
- Supply depends on Chinese export licences.
Lutetium FAQ
What is lutetium used for?
Lutetium is used mainly in PET scanner scintillator crystals and, as lutetium-177, in targeted cancer radiotherapy.
What is lutetium-177?
Lutetium-177 is a radioactive isotope of lutetium used in targeted cancer treatment. It is produced in nuclear reactors and attached to molecules that seek out cancer cells.
Does China control lutetium exports?
Yes, China has required export licences for lutetium since April 2025, along with six other medium and heavy rare earths.
Other Heavy rare earth (HREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.