【史海回眸】1947年，稀土家族“集齐”

Core Insights - A new rare earth mineral called "Ndu Huanghe Mine" has been discovered by a Chinese research team, highlighting the increasing global competition for rare earth resources, which are critical for advanced technology and military applications [1][2] Group 1: Historical Context of Rare Earth Discovery - Rare earth elements, consisting of 17 metals including lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, have been utilized in various technologies such as mobile screens and military equipment [2][3] - The journey of rare earth discovery began in 1787 with a Swedish officer, Carl Axel Arrhenius, who found a unique black mineral in a quarry, leading to the identification of rare earth elements [4][5] Group 2: Scientific Developments in Rare Earth Research - The discovery of the black mineral initiated a series of scientific investigations, with significant challenges in separating the chemically similar rare earth elements [5][6] - Notable advancements in the 19th century included the isolation of cerium and the systematic analysis of mixed rare earths, leading to the identification of lanthanum, erbium, and terbium [5][6] Group 3: 20th Century Advances and Strategic Importance - The understanding of rare earth elements expanded in the early 20th century, culminating in the identification of all 17 elements, including the elusive 61st element, Promethium, in 1947 [7][8] - The strategic significance of rare earth elements was further emphasized during the Cold War, with substantial investments from the US and Soviet Union in research and development for military applications [8]