(i) Due to lanthanoid contraction, the elements of 5d series have almost the same atomic and ionic radii as the elements in 4d series.
(ii) The atomic radii of Zr(160pm) and Hf(159pm) is almost same. So they occur together and hence it is difficult to separate them.
(iii) Basic character of their hydroxide decreases.
Ex:- La(OH)3 is most basic and Lu(OH)3 is less basic.