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Which rare-earth deposits provide heavy lanthanides and yttrium?

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A line graph showing electron probability distributions for gadolinium, with separate curves for 4f, 5s, 5p, 5d, and 6s orbitals. The x-axis shows distance from the nucleus in atomic units and the y-axis shows probability P2(r). — rare-earth element Electron probabilities, P²*(r)*, for the 4f, 5s, 5p, 5d, and 6s electrons of gadolinium.

The primary deposits that provide heavy lanthanides and yttrium are laterite clays (also known as ion-absorption clays) and the mineral xenotime.

Key Sources

Laterite Clays: These are a major commercial source of heavy lanthanides and yttrium. Significant deposits are found in the Jiangxi province of southeast China, particularly near Longnan, where the clays are notably rich in these elements.12
Xenotime: This phosphate mineral is enriched in heavy lanthanides and yttrium. Because of these high concentrations, it is often used as a source material for individual rare-earth elements rather than as a mixture. The major producer is Malaysia, with additional deposits reported in Norway and Brazil.3

Other minerals that contain heavy lanthanides and yttrium include euxenite, gadolinite, and fluorite. Historically, uranium tailings have also served as a source for these elements.1