Europium

Symbol: Eu

Atomic Number: 63

Atomic Weight: 151.25


The chemical element Europium, obviously named after the continent, has atomic number 63 the symbol Eu. It oxidizes easily in air and water and is part of the lanthanide series, also known as rare earth elements. Eu is found in oxidation states +3 and +2. Notwithstanding the fact that Eu is a heavy metal, it is comparatively non-toxic. From a practical viewpoint, it is most useful as a phosphorescent europium compound.

This element was discovered in 1896 by the French chemist Eugene-Antole Demarcay. He noticed that samples of samarium, which was recently discovered, were contaminated with some unknown chemical. Demarcay was...Read More