Neodymium

Neodymium is a silvery-white lanthanide metal that tarnishes in air. It occurs mixed with other rare-earth elements in minerals such as bastnäsite and monazite. After the minerals are processed, chemical separation isolates neodymium; the metal can then be produced by electrolysis or by reducing a neodymium compound. Neodymium is best known as an ingredient in neodymium–iron–boron permanent magnets, which make compact, powerful motors and speakers. Neodymium ions also color glass and provide the light-amplifying centers in some solid-state lasers. These uses involve neodymium in a magnetic alloy or as ions in compounds and materials, rather than as pure metal.