Dysprosium (pronunciation: dis-PROH-zee-em) is a silvery rare earth metal classified as a lanthanide and represented by the atomic symbol Dy ^{[1, 2]}. It is composed of seven naturally occurring isotopes, out of which ¹⁶⁴Dy is the most naturally abundant (with 28% abundance) ^[1]. Moreover, 29 radioactive isotopes have been produced, the most stable one being ¹⁵⁴Dy, characterized by a half-life of 3 million years ^[3].

Where is Dysprosium Found

Dysprosium, like many other lanthanides, is extracted from the minerals bastnaesite and monazite, as well as from some other minerals like fergusonite and xenotime ^[1]. It can be obtained from these minerals through the process of solvent extraction and ion exchange ^[1]. It can as well be manufactured by reducing dysprosium trifluoride using calcium metal ^[1]. The top 3 dysprosium reserve-holding nations are China, CIS Countries, and the USA whereas the top 3 dysprosium producers include China, Russia, and Malaysia ^[1].

History

Origin of its Name: The name has been derived from the Greek word ‘dysprositos,’ which means hard to get ^[1].

Who discovered it: The French chemist Paul-Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovered Dysprosium ^{[1, 4]}.

When and How was Dysprosium Discovered

In 1886, the element dysprosium was discovered by de Boisbaudran who carried out a series of research on the compound yttrium oxide involving endless precipitations on a marble slab of the fireplace at his home in Paris ^[1]. The compound was first produced in 1794, and since then several lanthanoids have been extracted, including erbium in 1843, holmium in 1878, and then dysprosium ^[1].

In 1950, pure samples of the element were first isolated using the ion-exchange chromatography technique, which was developed by the Canadian-American chemist Frank Spedding and his co-workers at the Iowa State University ^[1]. Today, that separation technique has been replaced by the liquid-liquid exchange technology ^[1].

Dysprosium Identification
Atomic number	66 [1, 6]
CAS number	7429-91-6 [1]
Position in the periodic table	Group	Period	Block
	Lanthanides [1]	6 [1]	f [1]

Properties and Characteristics of Dysprosium

Atomic Data of Dysprosium (Element 66)

What is Dysprosium used for

Since it reacts with air and water, dysprosium does not have much use in its pure metallic form ^[1]. Its alloys and compounds have the following applications:

• Dysprosium alloys are used for producing neodymium-based magnets because they have better resistance to demagnetization at elevated temperatures. Therefore, these magnets are used in generators, motors, electrical vehicles, and wind turbines ^[1].
• Compounds of dysprosium like dysprosium halide are applied in commercial lighting, including halide discharge lamps, helping in producing an intense white light ^[1].
• A mixture containing nickel and dysprosium oxide is utilized in making the control rods used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons for a long period without contracting or expanding ^[1].

Dysprosium Health Effects and Hazards

While soluble salts of dysprosium can be mildly toxic when ingested, animal studies have indicated that taking a very high amount of dysprosium (dose of 500 g) can be life-threatening for humans ^[8].

Interesting Facts about Dysprosium

• Since Dysprosium does not have a hard texture, it can be easily cut with a knife ^[9].
• The element 66 has been visually depicted by an image of a nuclear reactor to reflect its use in the control rods of a nuclear reactor ^[1].

Dysprosium Price

The pure form of Dysprosium costs about $450-$500 per 100g, but in bulk, it costs approximately $30-$40 per 100g ^[4].

References
1. http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/66/dysprosium
2. https://www.livescience.com/38292-dysprosium.html
3. https://www.thoughtco.com/dysprosium-facts-element-66-or-dy-4125571
4. https://www.chemicool.com/elements/dysprosium.html
5. http://periodictable.com/Elements/066/data.html
6. https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele066.html
7. http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/dy.html
8. https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/dy.htm
9. https://factfile.org/10-facts-about-dysprosium