Yttrium, IHT ree uhm, is a silvery-white metallic element. It has a number of important uses, particularly in the electronics industry. For example, the compound yttrium oxide forms the basis of the phosphors used in color televisions to reproduce red. This compound is also used to produce two kinds of crystals called garnets. One type of garnet acts as a microwave filter in radar, and the other serves as an imitation diamond. Yttrium is also used in lasers and in the manufacture of certain chemicals, glass, and ceramics.