Atomic number 67
Holmium
Lanthanide
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 164.93
- Group
- –
- Period
- 6
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.23
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f¹¹ 6s²
- Ionization energy
- 581.0 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 50.0 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1734.00 K (1460.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 2873.00 K (2599.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
A silvery metal with the strongest magnetic pull of any element, used in lab magnets and surgical lasers. Low in toxicity, with the usual reactive-powder note.
- FlammableImmediate
Finely divided holmium can ignite in air; the solid metal is stable. (as filings or powder, not the solid)
Keep filings away from flame; the bulk metal needs no special care.
How it bonds· family overview
Holmium (Ho) 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.
