Holmium (Ho)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Soft, malleable, bright silvery metal.
Holmium (symbol Ho) is chemical element number 67, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 164.93 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f11 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Named after Stockholm (Latin 'Holmia').
Properties
| Atomic number | 67 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 164.93 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f11 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 29, 8, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1734 K |
| Boiling point | 2873 K |
| Density | 8.8 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.23 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1878 · Soret, Delafontaine & Cleve |
Key facts about Holmium
- Named after Stockholm (Latin 'Holmia').
- Has the strongest magnetic moment of any naturally occurring element.
- Holmium lasers cut and vaporise tissue precisely and are used to break up kidney stones.
- Colours glass and cubic zirconia yellow or red.
What Holmium is used for
Surgical and dental lasers, the strongest lab magnets (as pole pieces), nuclear control rods, glass colourants.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Holmium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f11 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Holmium on the interactive table →
Holmium — frequently asked questions
What is Holmium used for?
Surgical and dental lasers, the strongest lab magnets (as pole pieces), nuclear control rods, glass colourants.
Is Holmium radioactive?
No. Holmium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Holmium?
Holmium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f11 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 29, 8, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Holmium in?
Holmium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Holmium?
Holmium was discovered in 1878 by Soret, Delafontaine & Cleve.