Ytterbium
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Description
A rare earth metal of the yttrium group that occurs in the minerals gadolinite, euxenite, xenotime, and monazite. It is a silvery, ductile metal that exists in an alpha crystalline form at normal temperatures and a beta crystalline form and high temperatures (over 798 C). Metallic ytterbium is used in lasers, portable x-ray sources and phosphors that convert infrared radiation to visible light. Ytterbium oxide is used in special alloys, dielectric ceramics, and in special glasses.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Yb
Risks
- Sensitive to moisture and air.
- Contact may cause irritation.
- Powder is flammable.
- Fisher Scientific: MSDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Soluble in dilute acids and liquid ammonia.
- Reacts slowly with water.
| Composition | Yb (atomic no. 70) |
|---|---|
| CAS | 7440-64-4 |
| Melting Point | 819 C |
| Density | 6.997 g.ml |
| Molecular Weight | atomic wt =173.04 |
| Boiling Point | 1196 C |
Resources and Citations
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 177