Origin / Meaning of the name Yttrium The name originated from Ytterby, a Swedish village near Vaxholm where the mineral gadolinite was found. Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Yttrium Element Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Yttrium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals. Facts about the History of the Discovery of Yttrium Element Yttrium was discovered by Johan Gadolin in 1794 and isolated by Friedrich Wohler in 1828. Yttria is the oxide of yttrium and was discovered by Johan Gadolin in 1794. History of the Periodic Table Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table. Occurrence of the Yttrium Element Found in almost all rare earth minerals Obtained from monazite, xenotime and yettriac Found in uranium ores Abundances of the element in different environments % in Universe 7×10-7% % in Sun 1×10-6% % in Meteorites 0.00019% % in Earth's Crust 0.0029% % in Oceans 1.3×10-9% % in Humans N/A Associated Uses of Yttrium Used to make europium and europium phosphors that give the red color in color television picture tubes Color TV's Radars Microwave filters. |