Erbium (Er): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Erbium is element 68 on the periodic table, a lanthanide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DErbium quick facts
| Atomic number | 68 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Er |
| Atomic mass | 167.259 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹² 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 30, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1843, Mosander |
What is erbium used for?
- Erbium-doped fibre amplifiers (EDFA) for internet
- Er:YAG skin resurfacing laser
- Pink/rose colour in glass & gemstones
Interesting facts about erbium
- Erbium-doped fibre amplifiers made global internet possible by amplifying signals without converting to electricity
- Erbium gives glass and gems a distinctive pink colour
- Named after Ytterby village. Fourth element named after this tiny Swedish location
Erbium was discovered in 1843 by Mosander in Sweden.
Where erbium sits on the periodic table
Erbium is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Erbium questions
What is the atomic number of erbium?
Erbium has atomic number 68, so every erbium atom has 68 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Er and its atomic mass is 167.259.
Is erbium a metal?
Erbium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a lanthanide, found in the lanthanide series (period 6).
What is the electron configuration of erbium?
The electron configuration of erbium is [Xe] 4f¹² 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 30, 8, 2.
What is erbium used for?
Erbium is used for erbium-doped fibre amplifiers (edfa) for internet, er:yag skin resurfacing laser and pink/rose colour in glass & gemstones.
Who discovered erbium?
Erbium was discovered in 1843 by Mosander in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.