How rare earth elements’ hidden properties make modern technology possible
These 17 metals fine-tune light and generate powerful magnetic fields
![A photo of China's maglev train as it comes into a station with several people standing at balcony of a nearby platform.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/011423_no-rareearths_feat.jpg?resize=1440%2C700&ssl=1)
In August, China finished constructing a maglev train line that uses magnets made from rare earth alloys to levitate train cars without consuming electricity.
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