Dysprosium is a magnetic lanthanide used to improve permanent magnets at elevated temperatures and to absorb neutrons.
Atomic number
66
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
f-block
State
Solid
Fun facts about Dysprosium
Small additions can improve the high-temperature coercivity of neodymium magnets.
Several dysprosium isotopes absorb neutrons strongly.
Its name reflects the difficulty early chemists had separating it.
Common uses of Dysprosium
High-temperature permanent magnets
Nuclear control materials
Specialised lighting
Where Dysprosium sits in the periodic table
Dysprosium belongs to the lanthanide series in period 6 and the f-block of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Dy with atomic number 66 and the listed atomic mass 162.50. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.