A rare metallic element of the boron-aluminium group, found in gadolinite and other rare minerals, and extracted as a dark gray powder. Symbol Y. Atomic weight.
Alternative forms: ittrium.
Associated with yttrium are certain rare elements, as erbium, ytterbium, samarium, etc, which are separated in a pure state with great difficulty. They are studied by means of their spark or phosphorescent spectra. Yttrium is now regarded as probably not a simple element, but as a mixture of several substances.
Origin: NL, from Ytterby, in Sweden. See Erbium.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)