Atomic number 68
Erbium
Lanthanide
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 167.26
- Group
- –
- Period
- 6
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.24
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f¹² 6s²
- Ionization energy
- 589.3 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 50.0 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1802.00 K (1528.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 3141.00 K (2867.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
Erbium tints glass a soft pink and boosts the light in the fiber-optic cables that carry the internet. A mild, low-toxicity metal whose dust is the only caution.
- FlammableImmediate
Erbium powder can burn in air, while the solid metal only slowly tarnishes. (as filings or powder, not the solid)
Keep filings clear of ignition sources; the solid is safe to handle.
How it bonds· family overview
Erbium (Er) is a lanthanide - a soft, silvery metal that almost always loses 3 electrons to form a +3 ion (Ln³⁺). Its 4f electrons sit deep below the valence shell, so chemistry across the lanthanide row is remarkably similar: oxide, fluoride, chloride salts, all in the +3 state.
