Origin / Meaning of the name Holmium
The name originates from the Latin word Holmia meaning Stockholm.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Holmium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Holmium 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 Holmium Element
Holmium was discovered by Marc Delafontaine and Jacques Louis Soret in 1878. Per Teodor Cleve independently discovered the element in 1878.
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Holmium Element
Occurring in gadolinite, monazite and other rare-earth minerals
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 5×10-8%
% in Sun None
% in Meteorites 5.9×10-6%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00012%
% in Oceans 2.2×10-11%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Holmium
Nuclear reactors
