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. |
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