Origin / Meaning of the name Dysprosium
The name originates from the Greek word 'dysprositos' meaning 'hard to get at' due to the difficulty in separating this rare earth element from a holmium mineral in which it was found..
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Dysprosium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Dysprosium classified as an element in the Lanthanide series as one of the "Rare Earth Elements" which can located in Group 3 elements of the Periodic Table and in the 6th and 7th periods. The Rare Earth Elements are divided into the Lanthanide and Actinide series. The elements in the Lanthanide series closely resemble lanthanum, and one another, in their chemical and physical properties. Their compounds are used as catalysts in the production of petroleum and synthetic products. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Facts about the Discovery and History of the Dysprosium Element
Dysprosium was discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in France in 1886.
Occurrence of the Dysprosium Element
Obtained from erbium & holmium
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 2×10-7%
% in Sun 2×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000027%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00062%
% in Oceans 9.1×10-11%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Dysprosium
Nuclear research / reactors
