Technologies that depend on rare earths

How rare earth elements improve functionality and performance across a range of high-tech devices such as consumer electronics and medical equipment

4 min readUpdated August 12, 2025

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Many essential devices rely on various rare earth element (REE) components to deliver high-performance functionality, including hybrid vehicles, televisions, and even MRI imaging tools. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wide range of products using rare earth technology.

So, what exactly are rare earth elements? REEs are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table, including scandium, yttrium, and 15 lanthanides. Their magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties are used to enhance magnetic strength, which ultimately improves device performance.

Consumer electronics

Photo by Sarah Shi

There's a reason why you can enjoy high-quality audio on your phone and high-definition colors on your big-screen TV. Everyday consumer electronics use one or more rare earth elements for better functionality.

Smartphones: REEs are used in speakers and microphones to enhance audio performance. Neodymium and praseodymium help create compact, high-performance magnets that are essential for powerful sounds.
Laptops and tablets: Both devices rely on long battery life and a high-definition display, which is produced by a combination of lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium.
LED TVs and monitors: Neodymium, europium, terbium, and yttrium improve the color accuracy of displays, brightness, and energy efficiency.
Headphones and gaming consoles: These systems use tiny magnets containing neodymium to generate high-fidelity sound.

Electric vehicles and clean energy

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Rare earth elements play a key role in improving the efficiency and durability of components used in electric vehicles and renewable-energy systems.

Electric vehicles: EVs use motors with magnets made from neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium. The magnets convert electrical energy into mechanical power.
Wind turbines: Rare earth metals create high-performance permanent magnets used by wind turbines to create low-maintenance and efficient energy generation.
Rechargeable batteries: These often use lanthanum and cerium to enhance energy storage and reliability.
Solar technology: Elements such as phosphors are often used in solar technology to convert ultraviolet light into visible wavelengths for better solar panel efficiency.

Defense systems

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Military and defense operations depend on high-tech equipment that offers precision, enhanced imaging, infrared capabilities, and a compact design.

Jet engines and missile guidance: Neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are some of the rare earth elements in key components of jet engines and missile systems, such as magnets and actuators, as well as in alloys that need to withstand high temperatures.
Radar and sonar: Radar and sonar rely on high-performance electronic systems such as signal processors, rotating antennas, and motors to deliver signals in difficult conditions. Neodymium or samarium-cobalt magnets are used in these systems to enhance performance.
Satellite communications: Satellites use erbium, ytterbium, and neodymium elements in laser crystals and fiber optics to send and receive GPS and broadcast data over long distances.

Medical equipment

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Accurate diagnoses and effective surgical procedures rely on medical equipment and imaging tools that deliver exact and detailed information.

MRI machines: These require gadolinium (a contrast agent) to create strong magnetic fields to assist with detailed imaging of the body. Gadolinium improves the clarity of bone structures while highlighting soft tissue areas.
X $TWTR-ray and imaging devices: Gadolinium, terbium, and europium are used in X-ray and imaging devices to produce sharper images.
Laser surgery tools: Laser surgical devices use rare earth elements like neodymium for precision cutting and cauterizing, while erbium is commonly used in skin resurfacing treatments.

Everyday goods and industrial uses

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Rare earth elements aren't limited to high-tech tools and specialized industries; they're also used in many everyday household products and industrial applications.

Power tools: Advanced power tools use long-lasting rechargeable batteries made from lanthanum, an element that enables batteries to hold more charge and withstand harsh conditions.
Automotive emissions: Harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide in automotive systems, can be reduced with the right combination of rare earth catalysts for cleaner air.
Fluorescent lighting: Phosphor coatings containing rare earth elements enable fluorescent lights to convert ultraviolet light into visible wavelengths, producing brighter, more vivid colors.

Rare earths and innovation

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Rare earth elements play a key role in improving the efficiency of renewable energy technologies, making them essential to the future of sustainable energy production.

With few viable substitutes, rare earth elements remain critical to advancements in technology, including strides in computing, automation, clean technology, and miniaturization.
Due to the environmental impact of mining of rare earth elements, recycling efforts are increasing, focusing on recovering these valuable materials from discarded electronics and other products.

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