66Dy162.5
Dysprosium
LanthanidesRare-earth metals used in strong magnets, phone screens and lasers.
[Xe] 4f¹⁰ 6s²
- Atomic number
- 66
- Atomic mass
- 162.5
- Protons
- 66
- Neutrons
- 97 (most common)
- Electrons
- 66
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 28, 8, 2
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Period 6, f-block
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byPaul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 1886Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran: 3 elements
It took him over 30 attempts to separate it. Its name comes from the Greek dysprositos, meaning hard to get.
Did you know?
- Electric car motors rely on it.
- It is very soft and silvery.
Where it's found
- Rare-earth ores
What it's used for
- Keeping neodymium magnets strong when hot
- Lasers
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Dysprosium. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.