Atomic number: 63
Symbol: Eu
Category: lanthanoid metal
Density at 25°C: solid: density: 5.264 g·cm−3 [5.248]
Most europium is used as compounds that produce phosphorescence (glow in the dark material). Interestingly a compound of it is used in Euro bank notes for anti counterfeiting purposes. Europium is also one of the most reactive lanthanoid metals.
Europium sample slightly oxidised. image: adapted from wikipedia
Use, natural applications or common combinations:
- phosphors
- optics,
- Europium in chemical complexes have been developed to produce very bright red light. Ref: EurekAlert
Basic characteristics:
- Standard atomic weight: 151.964(1)
- Melting point: 826 °C [822]
- Boiling point: 1529 °C
- Radioactivity: most naturally stable