What is Dysprosium?
Dysprosium is a metallic chemical element in the lanthanide group of the periodic table of elements; elements in this group are sometimes referred to as rare earth metals. The element is primarily used in research and industrial applications, and most consumers do not handle it directly, although they may benefit from its use or purchase products which are made with the assistance of dysprosium. The element almost never occurs in a pure form in nature; it is extracted from a variety of minerals, and world’s most major producer of dysprosium is China. The element tends to be relatively expensive, since it is difficult to extract reliably. When dysprosium is purified, it is a very soft, silvery metal which can be cut with a knife or shears. At room temperature, the element is reasonably stable, although it will start to oxidize at higher temperatures. The metal can also demonstrate differing magnetic properties, depending on ambient temperatures. You can find dysprosium on the periodic t
An infectious disease… An exotic food… An ancient city… No, actually, dysprosium (Dy) is the 66th element in the periodic table and the ninth rare earth metal in the lanthanide series. The name dysprosium is derived from the Greek word “dysprositos,” meaning hard to get at. In many ways this lesser known, somewhat mysterious element is true to its name. It is difficult to isolate and limited in its uses. Fortunately, this website will reveal the wonder of dysprosium, and answer any dysprosium related questions. Facts about Dysprosium History Physical appearance Properties Isotopes Crystal Structure Electron Configuration Sources Uses Cost Far Reaching Effects History: Dysprosium was discovered in 1886 by French chemist Andre Lecoq de Boisbaudran. However, it was not isolated at this time. Neither the metal nor the oxide was available in pure form until ion exchange separation and metallographic reduction techniques were developed by Spedding and associates in 1950. Physical Appea
Metallic with a bright silvery-white lustre. Dysprosium belongs to the lanthanoids. It is relatively stable in air at room temperatures, it will however dissolve in mineral acids, evolving hydrogen. It is found in from rare-earth minerals. There are seven natural isotopes of dysprosium, and eight radioisotopes, Dy-154 being the most stable with a half-life of 3*10^6 years. Dysprosium is used as a neutron absorber in nuclear fission reactions, and in compact disks. It was discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1886 in France. Its name comes from the Greek word dysprositos, which means hard to obtain.
