Erbium

Name:
Erbium
Detailed information:

M Formula:	Er
Properties:
Soft, malleable solid with metallic luster. Salts are pink to red. D 9.16 (15C), mp 1522C, bp approximately 2500C, high electrical resistivity. Insoluble in water; soluble in acids.
Derivation:
Reduction of the fluoride with calcium, electrolysis of the fused chloride.
Source:
Rare-earth minerals.
Available forms:
Lumps, ingots of high purity, sponge, powder.
Hazard:
Flammable in finely divided form.
Use:
Nuclear controls, special alloys, room-temperature laser.