63Eu Europium

Description

Named after Europe, europium is a soft, silvery metal. It is the most reactive of the lanthanides, strongly reacting with air, water and acids. Chemically, europium’s reactions are similar to calcium. It is used in some superconductor alloys and in television screens, where it produces the red color. Europium readily absorbs neutrons, so it has use in control rods for nuclear reactors. It is also used in lasers and certain alloys.

Biological Benefits

Europium has no known biological use.

Role in Life Processes

No known benefits for life processes in plants and animals.

Sources

Europium is obtained from bastnasite and monazite, where it occurs as an impurity. It is mined in the USA, China, Russia, Australia, and India.