Erbium

Category

Rare Earth Metals

Description

Soft metal soluble in acids; [Merck Index] Pure metal is soft, malleable, and silvery bright; All 6 natural isotopes are stable; [Reference #1]

Sources/Uses

Source: rare earth minerals; Used in nuclear control rods, alloys, and lasers; [Hawley] Recent improvements in ion-exchange techniques have reduced the cost of isolating this element, and it is finding uses in nuclear technology and metallurgy. Erbium alloys have advantages in workability. Erbium colorants are used to produce pink glass and ceramic glazes; [Reference #1]

Comments

Fine metal is flammable; [Hawley] See "RARE EARTH METALS" and linked occupational diseases.

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Explanatory Notes

mp = 1522 deg C; [Merck Index]

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Glass Manufacturing