dysprosium

Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It is a lanthanide, one of the rare earth elements. The name derives from the Greek dysprositos, meaning “hard to obtain,” reflecting historical difficulties in separation from nearby elements. Dysprosium occurs in minerals such as gadolinite, xenotime, euxenite, and monazite, and is recovered from rare-earth concentrates through complex chemical and metallurgical processing.

Physically, dysprosium is a soft, silvery-white metal. In bulk form it is relatively stable in air, but powdered forms oxidize readily. It has a high melting point of about 1,412°C and a density around 8.55 g/cm3. It is highly reactive and forms oxides when exposed to air. In addition to its chemical properties, dysprosium is noted for its magnetic characteristics, possessing a large magnetic moment and high magnetic anisotropy.

Magnetically, dysprosium is ferromagnetic below about 89 kelvin and becomes paramagnetic at higher temperatures. These magnetic properties underpin its principal industrial uses, particularly in advanced magnets.

Applications of dysprosium include improving the high-temperature performance and coercivity of neodymium-iron-boron magnets, where small additions help magnets retain magnetization in heat. It is also used in nuclear technology as a neutron absorber in control rods, and in various phosphors, lasers, and lighting/display technologies.

Isotopes and safety: Natural dysprosium comprises several stable isotopes. Some synthetic radioisotopes have been produced, but none are commercially significant. As with other heavy rare earths, handling powders and dust requires appropriate safety precautions.