Scope
“Rare earth elements” (REE) is a standard term used in geology and supply-chain reporting for a group of 17 metals: the 15 lanthanides (La–Lu) plus scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y). Deposits differ materially in REE distribution and economic relevance; this page therefore focuses on definitions, scope, and primary sources rather than project claims.
What this page covers
- Standard definition of REE and consistent naming baseline.
- Greenland-context references via public geology publications and official sources.
- Deposit variability as a constraint: distributions must be sourced from primary geology or regulated technical reporting.
- Analyst lens (non-promotional): magnet-related REE (e.g., Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb) as a common categorisation in public discourse.
- Source hierarchy and conservative wording (reported/published; dated updates).
The 17 Rare Earth Elements (REE)
The standard REE set used in geology and policy reporting comprises the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Note: Promethium (Pm) is part of the standard set but has no stable isotopes and occurs only in extremely small natural concentrations.
- Scandium (Sc) — 21
- Yttrium (Y) — 39
- Lanthanum (La) — 57
- Cerium (Ce) — 58
- Praseodymium (Pr) — 59
- Neodymium (Nd) — 60
- Promethium (Pm) — 61
- Samarium (Sm) — 62
- Europium (Eu) — 63
- Gadolinium (Gd) — 64
- Terbium (Tb) — 65
- Dysprosium (Dy) — 66
- Holmium (Ho) — 67
- Erbium (Er) — 68
- Thulium (Tm) — 69
- Ytterbium (Yb) — 70
- Lutetium (Lu) — 71
- USGS — definition of REE (Sc, Y and the lanthanides): USGS Pubs
- USGS — Rare Earths statistics & information: USGS Minerals Info
- Geological Society — briefing note: Geolsoc Briefing
- IUPAC — periodic table baseline: IUPAC Periodic Table
- GEUS — Greenland geology context: GEUS Greenland Overview
Source hierarchy: Government / official agencies → Major outlets / wire services → Regulated technical reports → Secondary industry press (pointer only).