Origin / Meaning of the name Erbium
Carl Gustaf Mosander was able to separate gadolinite into three materials, which he named yttria, erbia and terbia.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Erbium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Erbium 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 Erbium Element
Erbium was discovered by Carl Mosander in Sweden in 1843.
Occurrence of the Erbium Element
Found in monazite sand ores
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 2×10-7%
% in Sun 1×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000018%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0003%
% in Oceans 9×10-11%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Erbium
Used in metallurgy
Nuclear research
Color glass
Color porcelain
Photographic filter
