> Because of their geochemical properties, rare-earth elements are typically dispersed and not often found concentrated in rare-earth minerals. Consequently, ec

> Because of their geochemical properties, rare-earth elements are typically dispersed and not often found concentrated in rare-earth minerals. Consequently, economically exploitable ore deposits are sparse (i.e. "rare") https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs087-02/fs087-02.pdf https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs087-02/fs087-02.pdf For all intents and purposes, they are in fact "rare"