[1] It occurs in nature as minerals xenotime[2] and weinschenkite.

[3] Yttrium phosphate can be obtained by reacting yttrium chloride and sodium phosphate, or by reacting yttrium nitrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate in solution:[2] Yttrium phosphate can also be prepared by the reaction of yttrium(III) oxide and diammonium hydrogen phosphate:[4] Yttrium chloride and phosphoric acid are mixed at 35~40°C, and then ammonia solution is added dropwise to react:[5] Yttrium phosphate belongs to the tetragonal crystal system, and the unit cell parameters are a=0.68832 nm, c=0.60208 nm.

It can exist as a monohydrate, dihydrate or the anhydrous form.

[7] Yttrium phosphate is used as a catalyst and is a potential containment material for nuclear waste.

[2] Ce3+-doped yttrium phosphate shows luminescence in the UV range and can be used for tanning lamps.