66
Dy
Dysprosium
163
Dysprosium (Dy)
LanthanidePeriod 6f-block-block
Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It is a rare earth element with a metallic silver luster. Dysprosium is never found in nature as a free element, though it is found in various minerals, such as xenotime.
Latin name: Dysprosium
Atomic Number
66
Atomic Mass
163 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Solid
Electron Config.
[Xe] 4f¹⁰ 6s²
General
SymbolDy
Atomic Number66
Atomic Mass163 g/mol
CategoryLanthanide
Period6
Blockf-block
Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f¹⁰ 6s²
Valence Electrons12
Coloursilvery-white metallic
Appearancesilvery white
CAS NumberCAS7429-91-6
Physical Properties
Phase (STP)Solid
Density8.55 g/cm³
Melting Point1406.85°C · 2564.33°F · 1680.00 K
Boiling Point2566.85°C · 4652.33°F · 2840.00 K
Atomic Properties
Atomic Radius229 pm
Electronegativity1.22 Pauling
Ionization Energy573 kJ/mol
Oxidation States+3
Ion ChargeDy3+
Thermodynamic
Molar Heat27.7 J/(mol·K)
Crystal Structure
Crystal Structurehexagonal close-packed
Mechanical Properties
Mohs Hardness5.5
Nuclear & Hazards
Half-lifestable (Dy-163)
Abundance
In Universe0.00002%
In Sun0.00002%
In Earth's Crust0.0620%
In Meteorites0.0002%
Discovery & History
Discovery Year1886
Discovered ByPaul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Country of DiscoveryFrance
Isotopes of Dysprosium
| Isotope | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dy-156 | 0.056% | Stable | — |
| Dy-158 | 0.095% | Stable | — |
| Dy-160 | 2.329% | Stable | — |
| Dy-161 | 18.889% | Stable | — |
| Dy-162 | 25.475% | Stable | — |
| Dy-163 | 24.896% | Stable | — |
| Dy-164 | 28.26% | Stable | — |