Though hydrogen is the most common element in the universe (around 75% of the universe’s mass), it is rare on Earth, making up only 0.14% of the crust.

There are 78 common elements in the Earth’s crust, and Cerium, one of the “rare earth elements” is the 25th most plentiful on the list. Its concentration is 60 parts per million.

An EV's battery is made up of a variety of electroconductive rare earth elements, including neodymium, dysprosium, and of course, lithium. These elements are mined in large quantities all over the ...

Environmental concerns have caused the U.S. to slow down the production of Rare Earth Elements. China, which faces less stringent standards, has ramped up its manufacturing instead.

The U.S. once controlled the market on rare earth elements, sought after for a range of technologies. But in the last few decades, China has cornered that market and surpassed the U.S.

Ulanqab Ulanhada Volcano No. 5 in Inner Mongolia, China. Extinct volcanoes could contain high concentrations of rare earth elements, essential components for the green transition. Govan Zhang/Getty ...

These objects brought around a half a percent of Earth’s mass. If the late veneer theory is right, then most elements that make up life arrived on Earth sometime after the Earth’s core had formed.

The U.S. once controlled the market on rare earth elements, sought after for a range of technologies. But in the last few decades, China has cornered that market and surpassed the U.S.

Scientists still debate the origins of Earth’s life-sustaining elements. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. For many years ...