Yttrium is added to alloys with chromium, titanium, molybdenum and zirconium to improve grain refinement. As an alloy additive for aluminum and magnesium, it is used to increase strength. The element is used in the production of phosphors and is used in high-performance ceramics, including for coating aircraft engines. It is also used in the dental industry and in the production of laser crystals. It is also used in mixed oxides for automotive catalytic converters.