Neodymium is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Neodymium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s². In its elemental form neodymium's CAS number is 7440-00-8. The neodymium atom has a radius of 181.4.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 181.pm. Neodymium is the most abundant of the rare earths after cerium and lanthanum. Neodymium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Primary applications include lasers, glass coloring and tinting, dielectrics and, most importantly, as the fundamental basis for neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets. Neodymium has a strong absorption band centered at 580 nm, which is very close to the human eye's maximum level of sensitivity making it useful in protective lenses for welding goggles. It is also used in CRT displays to enhance contrast between reds and greens and highly valued in glass manufacturing for its attractive purple coloring. Neodymium is included in many formulations of barium titanate, used as dielectric coatings and in multi-layer capacitors essential to electronic equipment. Neodymium was first discovered by Carl Aer von Welsbach in 1885. The name originates from the Greek words 'neos didymos', meaning new twin. See Neodymium research below.

Yttrium is a Block D, Group 3, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Yttrium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d¹ 5s². In its elemental form Yttrium's CAS number is 7440-65-5. The yttrium atom has a radius of 177.6.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Insoluble compounds of Yttrium are non-toxic, although water soluble compounds are somewhat toxic. Yttrium has the highest thermo-dynamic affinity for oxygen of any element. This characteristic is the basis for many of its applications. While not part of the rare earth series, it resembles the heavy rare earths which are sometimes referred to as the “yttrics” for this reason. Another unique characteristic derives from its ability to form crystals with useful properties. Yttrium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Some of the many applications of yttrium include in ceramics for crucibles for molten reactive metals, in florescent lighting phosphors, computer displays and automotive fuel consumption sensors.Yttria stabilized zirconium oxide are used in high temperature applications, such as in thermal plasma sprays to protect aerospace high temperature surfaces and as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells. The name Yttrium originated from a Swedish village near Vaxholm called Yttbery where Yttrium was discovered. Crystals of the yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) variety are essential to microwave communication equipment. The phosphor Eu:Y2O2S creates the red color in televisions. Crystals of the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) variety are utilized with neodymium in a number of laser applications. Yttria can also increase the strength of metallic alloys. Yttrium was first discovered by Johann Gadolin in 1794. See Yttrium research below.

Vanadium is a Block D, Group 5, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Vanadium's shells is 2, 8, 11, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d³ 4s². In its elemental form vanadium's CAS number is 7440-62-2. The vanadium atom has a radius of 131.1.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Several vanadium compounds are toxic to some creatures despite the fact that it is an essential trace element. Vanadium is highly resistant to corrosion, so it is commonly used to alloy stainless steel grades. Vanadium compounds are used in advanced ceramics. Vanadium is a petrochemical cracking catalyst. Vanadium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Vanadium information, including Technical Data, Safety Data and its high purity properties , research , applications and other useful facts are discussed here . Scientific facts such as the atomic structure, ionization energy , abundance on Earth , conductivity and thermal properties are included. Vanadium was first discovered in Mexico City by Andres Manuel del Rio, a Spanish born and European educated Mexican mineralogist, in 1801. In honor of its beautiful multi-colored compounds, Vanadium was named after the word "Vanadis" meaning goddess of beauty in Scandinavian mythology. See Vanadium research below.