9.0 Europium physicalEuropium is the most reactive of the rare earth elements; it quickly oxidizes in air, and resembles calcium in its reaction with water. Like other rare earths (with the exception of lanthanum), europium ignites in air at about 150°C to 180°C. It is about as hard as lead and quite ductile.
Atomic number: 63.
Symbol: Eu.
Discovery: 1901 by E.A. Demarcay at Paris, France.
Name: Europa, taken by Zeus from Lebanon to Europe.
Europium is from Greek: euro = broad, opos = see, vision. So it means broad vision or broad face.
Toxicology: unknown
Ores: monazite, bastnasite.
Uses1. Eu3+ gives beautiful colored yellow to red salts.
2. Color television: Y2O2S with
Europium in it is used to create the red color.
3. YVO with
Europium in it is used in high pressure Mercury lamps.
4. Lasers: to dope some types of plastics to make lasers.
5. Neutrons absorbing in nuclear reactors.
6.
Europium oxide (Eu2O3) is widely used activator for yttrium-based phosphors.
7. Manufacture of fluorescent glass.
8. Phosphorescent powders and paints, some of which will glow for days
Europium after a few minutes of exposure to light.