Erbium

Atomic Number:	68
Symbol:	Er
Atomic weight:	167.26
Discovery:	Mosander 1842 or 1843
Electron Configuration:	4f¹²
Word Origin:	Ytterby, a town in Sweden
Isotopes:	Natural erbium is a mix of six stable isotopes. Nine radioactive isotopes are also recognized.
Properties:	The melting point of erbium is 159°C, boiling point is 2863°C, specific gravity is 9.066 (25°C), and valence is 3. Pure erbium metal is soft and malleable with a bright silvery metallic luster. The metal is fairly stable in air.
Uses:	Erbium has nuclear and metallurgical uses. It may be added to other metals to lower hardness and improve workability. Erbium oxide is used as a pink colorant in glass and porcelain glaze.