| Origin of Name |
After Ytterby, Sweden |
| Date and Place of Discovery |
In 1843 in a quarry near Ytterby,
Sweden |
| Discovered by |
Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac |
| Common Compounds |
|
| Interesting facts |
- It was discovered by separating gadolinite into three different materials: yttria, erbia
and terbia.
- It can be found in
gadolinite, monazite, and
xenotime.
- In its natural state it is a mixture of seven stable isotopes.
- It dissolves quickly in mineral acids.
- It is fairly stable and reacts slowly with water.
- It oxidizes when exposed to air.
- Its chemical and physical properties couldn't be determined until 1953 when the first
pure form was produced.
- It should be stored in closed containers to protect it from air and moisture.
- All its compounds should be treated as very toxic.
- Its compounds will irritate the skin and eyes.
- Metallic ytterbium dust is a fire and explosion hazard.
|
| Common Uses |
- Stainless steel
- Portable X-ray equipment when electricity isn't available
- Radiographic study of small objects
- Dentistry
- Solid state lasers
- Conversion of infrared energy into solar cell electricity
|
