Dysprosium
Dysprosium, Dy, is a metallic element, which is found in the
lanthanide series of inner transition metals in
Group IIIa of the
periodic table.
- Atomic Number : 66
- Relative Atomic Mass : 162.5
Discovery
Dysprosium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1886AD.
Dysprosium was isolated by Spedding in 1050AD.
Occurrence
Dysprosium occurs with other rare earths in a wide range of minerals.
Its principal ores are Monazite and Bastnasite.
Preparation
Dysprosium is separated from other rare earths by ion exchange
chromatography and then extracted by reduction
of its trifluoride with calcium.
Properties
Dysprosium is
- a soft lustrous metal, which may be cut with a knife,
- is relatively stable in air, and
- is attacked by dilute acids.
Reactions
Uses
Dysprosium is used
- in the nuclear industry, and
- in lasers.
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