Erbium

Erbium (Er)

Erbium is the 68th element in the periodic table and has a symbol of Er and atomic number of 68. It has an atomic weight of 167.259 and a mass number of 166. Erbium has sixty-eight protons and ninety-eight neutrons in its nucleus, and sixty-eight electrons in six shells. It is located in group Lanthanides, period six and block f of the periodic table. Soft silvery metallic element which belongs to the lanthanoids. Six natural isotopes that are stable. Twelve artificial isotopes are known. Used in nuclear technology as a neutron absorber. It is being investigated for other possible uses. Discovered by Carl G. Mosander in 1843.
Atomic Number68
Atomic Weight167.259
Mass Number166
Group
Period6
Blockf
Protons68 p+
Neutrons98 n0
Electrons68 e-
Animated Bohr Model of Er (Erbium)

Physical Properties

Atomic Radius
Molar Volume
Covalent Radius
Metallic Radius
Ionic Radius
Crystal Radius
Van der Waals Radius
Density
Atomic Radii of the Elements: Erbium0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230pmAtomic RadiusCovalent RadiusMetallic RadiusVan der Waals Radius

Chemical Properties

Energy
Proton Affinity
Electron Affinity
Ionization Energy
Ionization Energies of Er (Erbium)
Heat of Vaporization
Heat of Fusion
Heat of Formation
Electrons
Electron Shells2, 8, 18, 30, 8, 2
Bohr Model: Er (Erbium)
Valence Electrons2
Lewis Structure: Er (Erbium)
Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f12 6s2
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 4f12 6s2
Enhanced Bohr Model of Er (Erbium)
Orbital Diagram of Er (Erbium)
Oxidation States0, 2, 3
Electronegativity
1.24
Electrophilicity Index
States of Matter
PhaseSolid
Gas Phase
Boiling Point
Melting Point
Critical Pressure
Critical Temperature
Triple Point
Visual

Erbium is a Silver. Er has a CPK of #ff1493, Jmol of #00e675, and MOLCAS GV of #00e675. The Appearance of Element 68 is silvery white.

Color
Silver
Appearancesilvery white
Refractive Index
Thermodynamic Properties
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion
Molar Heat Capacity
Specific Heat Capacity
Heat Capacity Ratio (Adiabatic Index)
Electrical Properties
TypeConductor
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Superconducting Point
Magnetism
Typeparamagnetic
Magnetic Susceptibility (Mass)
0.00000377 m³/Kg
Magnetic Susceptibility (Molar)
0.000000630566 m³/mol
Magnetic Susceptibility (Volume)
0.0341788
Magnetic Ordering
Curie Point
Neel Point
Structure

The Crystal Structure of Erbium is HEX. The lattice constant of Er is 3.56 Å. The lattice angles of Element 68 are π/2, π/2, 2 π/3.

Crystal StructureSimple Hexagonal (HEX)
Lattice Constant
Lattice Anglesπ/2, π/2, 2 π/3
Mechanical Properties

Erbium has a Brinell of 814 MPa, and Vickers of 589 MPa. The Bulk Modulus of Er is 44 GPa. The Shear Modulus of Element 68 is 28 GPa. The Young Modulus of Erbium (Er) is 70 GPa. The Poisson Ratio of Erbium is 0.24. The Speed of Sound of Er is 2830 m/s.

Hardness
Bulk Modulus
Shear Modulus
Young's Modulus
Poisson Ratio
0.24
Speed of Sound
Classification

The Glawe Number of Erbium is 22. The Mendeleev Number of Er is 35. The Pettifor Number of Element 68 is 23. The Geochemical Class of Erbium (Er) is rare earth & related. The Goldschmidt Class of Erbium is litophile.

CategoryLanthanides, Lanthanides
CAS Group
IUPAC Group
Glawe Number22
Mendeleev Number35
Pettifor Number23
Geochemical Classrare earth & related
Goldschmidt Classlitophile

Other

The Dipole Polarizability of Erbium is 150 plus or minus 10 a₀. Er has a C6 Dispersion Coefficient (GB) of 2150 a₀. The Allotropes of Element 68 is . The Neutron Cross Section of Erbium (Er) is 165. The Neutron Mass Absorption of Erbium is 0.036. The Quantum Numbers of Er is 3H6. The Space Group of Element 68 is 194 (P63/mmc).

Gas Basicity
Dipole Polarizability
C6 Dispersion Coefficient
Allotropes
Neutron Cross Section
165
Neutron Mass Absorption
0.036
Quantum Numbers3H6
Space Group194 (P63/mmc)

Isotopes of Erbium

Stable Isotopes3
Unstable Isotopes36
Natural Isotopes6
Isotopic Composition16633.50%16633.50%16826.98%16826.98%16722.87%16722.87%17014.91%17014.91%1641.60%1641.60%1620.14%1620.14%

142Er

Mass Number142
Neutron Number74
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
p (proton emission)

143Er

Mass Number143
Neutron Number75
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin9/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year2005
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)

144Er

Mass Number144
Neutron Number76
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year2003
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)

145Er

Mass Number145
Neutron Number77
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
900 ± 200 ms
Spin1/2
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1989
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)

146Er

Mass Number146
Neutron Number78
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
1.7 ± 0.6 s
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1993
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)

147Er

Mass Number147
Neutron Number79
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
3.2 ± 1.2 s
Spin1/2
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1992
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)

148Er

Mass Number148
Neutron Number80
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
4.6 ± 0.2 s
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1982
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)0.15%

149Er

Mass Number149
Neutron Number81
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
4 ± 2 s
Spin1/2
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1984
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)7%

150Er

Mass Number150
Neutron Number82
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
18.5 ± 0.7 s
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1982
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

151Er

Mass Number151
Neutron Number83
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
23.5 ± 2 s
Spin7/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1970
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

152Er

Mass Number152
Neutron Number84
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
10.3 ± 0.1 s
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1963
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
α (α emission)90%
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)10%

153Er

Mass Number153
Neutron Number85
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.26628571428571 ± 0.002
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
37.1 ± 0.2 s
Spin7/2
Quadrupole Moment
-0.42 ± 0.02
Discovery Year1963
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
α (α emission)53%
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)47%

154Er

Mass Number154
Neutron Number86
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
3.73 ± 0.09 m
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1963
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
α (α emission)0.47%

155Er

Mass Number155
Neutron Number87
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.19028571428571 ± 0.0014285714285714
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
5.3 ± 0.3 m
Spin7/2
Quadrupole Moment
-0.27 ± 0.02
Discovery Year1969
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)99.978%
α (α emission)0.022%

156Er

Mass Number156
Neutron Number88
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
19.5 ± 1 m
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1967
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
α (α emission)1.2%

157Er

Mass Number157
Neutron Number89
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.274 ± 0.002
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
18.65 ± 0.1 m
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
0.92 ± 0.01
Discovery Year1966
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

158Er

Mass Number158
Neutron Number90
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
2.29 ± 0.06 h
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1961
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
ϵ (electron capture)100%

159Er

Mass Number159
Neutron Number91
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.202 ± 0.0013333333333333
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
36 ± 1 m
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
1.17 ± 0.01
Discovery Year1962
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

160Er

Mass Number160
Neutron Number92
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
28.58 ± 0.09 h
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1954
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
ϵ (electron capture)100%

161Er

Mass Number161
Neutron Number93
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.24266666666667 ± 0.002
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
3.21 ± 0.03 h
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
1.363 ± 0.008
Discovery Year1954
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

162Er

Mass Number162
Neutron Number94
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
0.139 ± 0.005
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1938
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
α (α emission)
+ (double β+ decay)

163Er

Mass Number163
Neutron Number95
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0.2224 ± 0.0016
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
75 ± 0.4 m
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
2.56 ± 0.02
Discovery Year1953
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

164Er

Mass Number164
Neutron Number96
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
1.601 ± 0.003
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1938
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
α (α emission)
+ (double β+ decay)

165Er

Mass Number165
Neutron Number97
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0.2564 ± 0.0016
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
10.36 ± 0.04 h
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
2.71 ± 0.03
Discovery Year1950
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
ϵ (electron capture)100%

166Er

Mass Number166
Neutron Number98
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
33.503 ± 0.036
RadioactivityStable
Half LifeNot Radioactive ☢️
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1934
Parity+

167Er

Mass Number167
Neutron Number99
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
-0.16065714285714 ± 0.00011428571428571
Abundance
22.869 ± 0.009
RadioactivityStable
Half LifeNot Radioactive ☢️
Spin7/2
Quadrupole Moment
3.57 ± 0.03
Discovery Year1934
Parity+

168Er

Mass Number168
Neutron Number100
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
26.978 ± 0.018
RadioactivityStable
Half LifeNot Radioactive ☢️
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1934
Parity+

169Er

Mass Number169
Neutron Number101
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0.9656 ± 0.0008
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
9.392 ± 0.018 d
Spin1/2
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1956
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

170Er

Mass Number170
Neutron Number102
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
14.91 ± 0.036
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1934
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
(double β decay)
α (α emission)

171Er

Mass Number171
Neutron Number103
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0.2628 ± 0.004
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
7.516 ± 0.002 h
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
2.86 ± 0.09
Discovery Year1938
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

172Er

Mass Number172
Neutron Number104
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
49.3 ± 0.5 h
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1956
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

173Er

Mass Number173
Neutron Number105
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
1.434 ± 0.017 m
Spin7/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1972
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

174Er

Mass Number174
Neutron Number106
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
3.2 ± 0.2 m
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year1989
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

175Er

Mass Number175
Neutron Number107
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
1.2 ± 0.3 m
Spin9/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1996
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

176Er

Mass Number176
Neutron Number108
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year2012
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)

177Er

Mass Number177
Neutron Number109
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin1/2
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year2012
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)

178Er

Mass Number178
Neutron Number110
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year2012
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)

179Er

Mass Number179
Neutron Number111
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year2018
Parity-

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)

180Er

Mass Number180
Neutron Number112
Relative Atomic Mass
G-Factor
0
Abundance
Radioactivity☢️ Radioactive
Half Life
Spin0
Quadrupole Moment
0
Discovery Year2018
Parity+

Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)
Erbium

History

Erbium was discovered in 1843 by Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander, who detected it as an impurity in yttria. Using ammonium hydroxide he precipitated fractions of different basicity from yttria. In these fractions he found that the fraction that contained the pink color was erbium. Erbium was named after Ytterby, a town in Sweden

DiscoverersCarl Mosander
Discovery LocationSweden
Discovery Year1843
Etymology (Name Origin)Named after the Swedish town, Ytterby.
PronunciationUR-bi-em (English)
Erbium is considered to be moderately toxic
The highest concentration of erbium in humans is in the bones

Uses

Erbium is used in photographic filters to absorb infrared light. Erbium oxide gives a pink color and has been used as a colorant in glasses and porcelain enamel glazes. It is also used in nuclear technology in neutron-absorbing control rods. Erbium is used in alloys especially with vanadium to decrease the hardness of metals. Erbium oxide is used in ceramics to obtain a pink glaze. Also a few uses in the nuclear industry and as an alloying agent for other exotic metals. For example, it increases the malleability of vanadium.

Sources

Found with other heavier rare earths in xenotime and euxerite.

Abundance
Abundance in Earth's crust
Natural Abundance (Oceans)
Natural Abundance (Human Body)
Natural Abundance (Meteor)
0.000018 %
Natural Abundance (Sun)
0.0000001 %
Abundance in Universe
0.0000002 %

Nuclear Screening Constants

1s1.3263
2p4.346
2s17.7984
3d13.6397
3p20.3891
3s20.9231
4d35.7288
4f40.0216
4p32.8908
4s31.768
5p50.528
5s48.282
6s59.5238

Also Known As

  • Er
  • element 68
  • 68Er

Translations

  • Frencherbium
  • Italianerbio
  • GermanErbium
  • Amharicኢርቢየም
  • Arabicإربيوم
  • AzerbaijaniErbium
  • Belarusianэрбій
  • Bulgarianербий
  • Banglaআরবিয়াম
  • Bosnianerbij
  • Catalanerbi
  • CorsicanErbiu
  • Czecherbium
  • ChuvashЭрби
  • WelshErbiwm
  • Danisherbium
  • Greekέρβιο
  • Esperantoerbio
  • Spanisherbio
  • EstonianErbium
  • Basqueerbio
  • Persianاربیم
  • Finnisherbium
  • FriulianErbi
  • Irisheirbiam
  • GalicianErbio
  • ManxErbium
  • Hakka Chineseerbium
  • Hebrewארביום
  • Hindiअर्बियम
  • Fiji HindiErbium
  • CroatianErbij
  • Hungarianerbium
  • Armenianէրբիում
  • Interlinguaerbium
  • Indonesianerbium
  • Idoerbio
  • Japaneseエルビウム
  • Lojbanjinmrberbi
  • JavaneseErbium
  • Georgianერბიუმი
  • Korean어븀
  • KomiЭрбий
  • Latinerbium
  • LuxembourgishErbium
  • LigurianÆrbio
  • LithuanianErbis
  • Latvianerbijs
  • Malayalamഎർബിയം
  • Marathiअर्बियम
  • Western MariЭрбий
  • MalayErbium
  • Burmeseအာဘီယမ်
  • Dutcherbium
  • Norwegian Nynorskerbium
  • OccitanÈrbi
  • Polisherb
  • PiedmonteseErbio
  • Western Panjabiاربیم
  • Portugueseérbio
  • QuechuaErbyu
  • Romanianerbiu
  • Russianэрбий
  • YakutЭрбиум
  • Sicilianerbiu
  • Serbo-CroatianErbijum
  • Slovakerbium
  • SlovenianErbij
  • AlbanianErbiumi
  • Serbianербијум
  • Saterland FrisianErbium
  • Swedisherbium
  • Tamilஎர்பியம்
  • Thaiเออร์เบียม
  • TurkishErbiyum
  • Uyghurئېربىي
  • Ukrainianербій
  • Urduعیربیئم
  • VepsErbii
  • Vietnameseerbi
  • WarayErbyo
  • KalmykЭрбиүм
  • YorubaErbium
  • Chinese
  • Norwegian Bokmålerbium
  • BretonErbiom
  • CebuanoErbyo
  • Macedonianербиум
  • Central Kurdishئێربیۆم
  • KazakhЭрбий
  • Odiaଏର୍ବିଅମ
  • Gujaratiઅર્બિયમ
  • TatarЭрбий
  • Cantonese
  • Belarusian (Taraskievica orthography)Эрб
  • Chinese (China)
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Chinese (Taiwan)
  • Chinese (Hong Kong SAR China)
  • AromanianErbiu
  • UzbekErbiy
  • Nepaliअर्बियम
  • KyrgyzЭрбий
  • Newariअर्बियम
  • Sanskritअर्बियम
  • Teluguఇర్బియం
  • Malteseerbju
  • Portuguese (Brazil)érbio
  • Paliअर्बियम
  • Kannadaಎರ್ಬಿಯಮ್
  • cdoErbium
  • Min Nan ChineseErbium
  • LimburgishErbium
  • Bhojpuriअर्बियम
  • AsturianErbiu
  • Tajikэрбий
  • Lingua Franca Novaerbio
  • TagalogErbiyo
  • Scottish GaelicErbium
  • Literary Chinese
  • AfrikaansErbium
  • kbpƐrbɩyɔm
  • oloErbii
  • Northern FrisianErbium
  • Mongolianэрби
  • Wu Chinese
  • SardinianÈrbiu
  • English (United Kingdom)erbium
  • Moroccan Arabicإيربيوم
  • BashkirЭрбий
  • Egyptian Arabicاربيوم
  • Pashtoاېربيوم
  • CornishErbiom
  • Manipuriꯑꯦꯔꯕꯤꯌꯝ
  • BalineseÉrbium
  • Punjabiਅਬਰੀਅਮ