Erbium (Er)

Erbium is a chemical element with symbol Er and atomic number 68. A silvery-white solid metal when artificially isolated, natural erbium is always found in chemical combination with other elements.

Atomic Number

68

Atomic Mass

167.26 u

Category

lanthanide

Phase

solid

Density

9.07 g/cm³

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 30, 8, 2

Atomic Structure

Protons: 68 • Electrons: 68 • Neutrons: Varies by isotope

Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹²

Discovery

1843 • Carl Gustaf Mosander