Holmium (Ho)
Holmium (Ho) is element 67, a lanthanide. Atomic mass 164.930329, configuration [Xe] 4f¹¹ 6s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 67 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ho |
| Standard atomic weight | 164.930329(5) |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Period | 6 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹¹ 6s² |
| Valence electrons | 2 (Variable) |
| Common oxidation states | +3 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.23 |
| First ionization energy | 581 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 175 pm |
| Density | 8.8 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1469°C |
| Boiling point | 2700°C |
| Specific heat | 0.165 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Ho-165: Stable
Common uses
- Surgical lasers (kidney stones)
- Strongest magnetic fields (magnetic flux concentrator)
Where it matters
- Medical Surgery (Ho:YAG Lasers)
Hazards
- Low toxicity
History
| Discovered | 1878 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Jacques-Louis Soret |
| Name | From Holmia (Latin for Stockholm) |