Rare earth is often described by the materials or elements that it represents. Above we have sixteen of the seventeen rare earth metals that comprise what are known as rare earth materials. All sixteen elements are for sale. You just need to click on the links. Although not actually rare, the mining and work needed to separate the materials from other elements does, indeed, end up justifying their name. 90% of the world's rare earth elements come from China although China only possesses 17% of the available resources. As it can be environmentally damaging to mine these materials many countries have shyed away from manufacturing. Now, as these materials are needed for so many manufacturing products, the world is re-thinking of having so many resources controlled by just one country.

Recent studies suggest that mining for these materials via the ocean floor is a strong possibility but until we are able to see a feasibility study completed I believe we will have to wait. Until then, one mining company in the USA as well as potential of several other mining companies are looking at ramping up their output as prices still remain profitable for them to mine.