Origin / Meaning of the name Ytterbium
The name originates from Ytterby, a town in Sweden where the mineral ytterbite (the source of ytterbium) was originally found.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Ytterbium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Ytterbium is 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 Ytterbium Element
Ytterbium was discovered by Jena de Marignac in 1878
Occurrence of the Ytterbium Element
Obtained from yttria, monazite, gadolinite & xenotime
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 0.00028%
% in Oceans 8×10-11%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Ytterbium
Radiation source - portable X-ray machine
Chemical experiments
Metallurgical experiments
