Erbium

Erbium, Er, is a soft silvery metallic element, which is found in the lanthanide series of inner transition metals in Group IIIa of the periodic table.

Atomic Number : 68
Relative Atomic Mass : 167.26
Melting Point : 1529 degC
Boiling Point : 2868 degC
Relative Density : 9.066

Erbium consists of six stable isotopes. Nine radioactive isotopes are also known.

Discovery

Erbium was discovered by C G Mosander in 1843AD.

Erbium was isolated by Urbain and James in 1905AD.

Occurrence

Erbium, Er, occurs with the rare earths in their ores.

Extraction

Erbium is separated from other rare earths by ion exchange chromatography.

Preparation

Erbium was prepared by Klemm and Bommer in 1934AD by reducing anhydrous erbium chloride with potassium vapour.

Properties

Erbium is a soft malleable silvery metal, which is stable in air.

Uses

Erbium is used in pottery, enamels and glass to impart a pink pastel colouration.

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