Europium (Eu)

Europium (Eu)

Atomic Number: 63
Atomic Weight: 151.96
Melting Point: 822
Boiling Point: 1597
Specific Gravity: 5.243
Valence(s): 2 or 3

Europium was discovered by Demarcay in 1896, and is the most reactive Lanthanide. It is commerically obtained from the minerals monazite and bastnasite. Europium Oxide is used as the red phosphor in colour television tubes. Since Europium easily absorbs neutrons, it may be used in the control rods of nuclear reactors. [LM] {RW}