Europium

Europium
Properties
Atomic symbol	Eu
Atomic number	63
Classification	Metallic
Atomic mass	151.964 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery	1901
Name of discoverer	Eugène-Anatole Demarçay,
Name origin	Named after Europe.
Uses	Used with yttrium oxide to make red phosphors for color televisions and for making thin-film superconductor alloys.
Obtained from	Chiefly found in ores of monazite and bastnasite.

Europium (yoo-RO-pee-em.), the most reactive rare earth element is classified with the Lanthanides. It was discovered by the French chemist Eugène-Antole Demarçay in 1896 and produced with reasonable purity in 1901.

Properties

Atomic Number: 63

Atomic Weight: 151.964

Melting Point: 1512 °F (822 °C or 1095 K)

Boiling Point: 2784 °F (1529 °C or 1802 K)

Density: 5.24 grams per cubic centimeter

State of matter at Room Temperature: Solid

Ionization Energy: 5.670 eV

Oxidation States: +3, +2

This element is considered mildly toxic. The metal dust is also considered a fire and explosive hazard. In solid form, it is a soft, ductile, silvery-white metal that instantly oxidizes in air.

Uses

Pure Europium has no commercial uses, but can be used in the production of lasers and televisions. It is sometimes used in control rods for nuclear reactors. It is also used in anti-forgery marks on the Euro, because it glows red under Ultraviolet light.