Lutetium

 

 

Name Lutetium
Symbol Lu
Atomic Number 71
Atomic Mass 174.967 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 71
Number of Neutrons 104
Number of Electrons 71
Melting Point 1656.0° C
Boiling Point 3315.0° C
Density 9.85 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Rare Earth Metals
Period 6
Cost $6900 per 100 grams

 

 

Origin of Name From Lutetia, the ancient name of Paris
Date and Place of Discovery In 1907 and 1908 in Paris, France
Discovered by

Carl Auer von Welsbach
Georges Urbain
(independently)
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is not found free in nature, but is found with other rare earth metals.
  • It is the heaviest and hardest of all the rare earth metals.
  • It is fairly resistant to corrosion and is stable in air.
  • It has a low toxicity, but it is recommended to handle it with care.
  • The metal dust from it can be a fire and explosion hazard.
  • It is not needed by the human body, but it is thought to boost metabolism.
  • It is very expensive to produce any useful quantity.
Common Uses

 

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