Developed in the 1960s, rare earth magnets are some of the strongest magnets known, so strong in fact, that they are capable of producing injury to humans if used improperly. Known as permanent magnets because they can be magnetized, like iron, they are composed of rare earth minerals, which would otherwise be magnetic only at low temperatures. Under the proper setting, rare earth elements, iron, nickel, cobalt, combine to form magnetic alloys. These are the basis for rare earth magnets, which are used in electronic gadgets, like portable music players.

It is relatively simple to magnetize a rare earth crystal in a particular direction. This has obvious advantages in industrial applications, such as in the design of wind turbines.

Other uses are quite familiar:

• audio speakers
• computer hard drives
• cordless tools
• bicycle dynamos (generate electricity with pedal power)
• electric guitar pickups
• roller coaster technology

There are countless other uses of rare earth magnets. They are required for some superconductor applications, in the growing field of robotics, and for Maglev technology.