Yttrium (Y): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Yttrium is a rare earth element used in heat-resistant coatings, lasers, ceramics and LED phosphors. Yttrium supply is concentrated in China and Myanmar, and China added yttrium to its export licensing list in April 2025, which led to reported shortages outside China.
| Symbol | Y |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 39 |
| Group | Scandium and yttrium |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Thermal barrier coatings and ceramics; Lasers; LEDs and phosphors; Superconductors and alloys |
| Main sources | Ionic adsorption clays in southern China and Myanmar; xenotime |
| China export status | Export licence required (since April 2025) |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Yttrium Price
There is no public benchmark for yttrium. Since export licensing began in April 2025, prices outside China have been reported far above Chinese domestic 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 Yttrium Used For?
- Thermal barrier coatings and ceramics. Yttria-stabilised zirconia protects jet engine and gas turbine parts from heat and is used in dental and technical ceramics.
- Lasers. Yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) crystals host the active ions in many industrial and medical lasers.
- LEDs and phosphors. Cerium-doped YAG converts blue LED light to white; yttrium oxide was also used in red phosphors for older displays.
- Superconductors and alloys. Yttrium barium copper oxide is a high-temperature superconductor, and yttrium strengthens some alloys.
Where Does Yttrium Come From?
Yttrium is the most abundant heavy rare earth and comes mainly from ionic adsorption clays in southern China and Myanmar, which are also the main source of dysprosium and terbium. Some yttrium is recovered from xenotime in mineral sands. Very little yttrium is separated outside China.
China export controls on yttrium
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 Yttrium
Yttrium exposure comes through companies that process heavy rare earth feed, since yttrium is separated alongside dysprosium and terbium. Lynas separates heavy rare earths in Malaysia, and several Western separation projects plan to recover yttrium. No listed company depends mainly on yttrium.
| Company | Listing | Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynas Rare Earths | ASX: LYC | Producer | Producing separated dysprosium and terbium in Malaysia since 2025 |
| Energy Fuels | NYSE American: UUUU | Producer | Acquired Australian Strategic Materials in August 2026; commercial Dy and Tb circuits targeted for late 2027 |
| Ucore Rare Metals | TSXV: UCU | Developer | First production line commissioning estimated for first half of 2027 |
Compare these companies in the rare earth stock watchlist, or see the rare earth ETF comparison for diversified exposure.
Yttrium Investment Risks
- Supply depends on Chinese export licences and Myanmar mining, both of which can stop with little warning.
- Aerospace and semiconductor buyers may redesign or stockpile, which can swing demand.
- No transparent price makes valuation of yttrium output difficult.
Yttrium FAQ
What is yttrium used for?
Yttrium is used mainly in yttria-stabilised zirconia coatings and ceramics, YAG lasers and white LED phosphors. It also appears in superconductors and specialty alloys.
Why is there a yttrium shortage?
A yttrium shortage outside China followed China's April 2025 decision to require export licences for yttrium. Few separation plants outside China can produce yttrium oxide, so buyers had little alternative supply.
Is yttrium a heavy rare earth?
Yttrium is usually grouped with the heavy rare earths because it is found with them in the same ores, even though it is not a lanthanide and has a low atomic weight.
Other Scandium and yttrium Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.