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Name Europium
Symbol Eu
Atomic number 63
Atomic mass 151.964 amu
Normal state Solid
Classification Metallic
Crystal structure Cubic body centered
Color silvery white
Date of discovery 1901
Name of discoverer Eugène-Anatole Demarçay,
Name origin Named after Europe.
Obtained from Chiefly found in ores of monazite and bastnasite.

Europium (yoo-RO-pee-em.), the most reactive rare earth element is classified with the Lanthanides. It was discovered by the French chemist Eugène-Antole Demarçay in 1896 and produced with reasonable purity in 1901.[1]


Atomic Number: 63

Atomic Weight: 151.964

Melting Point: 1512 °F (822 °C or 1095 K)

Boiling Point: 2784 °F (1529 °C or 1802 K)

Density: 5.24 grams per cubic centimeter

State of matter at Room Temperature: Solid

Ionization Energy: 5.670 eV

Oxidation States: +3, +2[2]

This element is considered mildly toxic. The metal dust is also considered a fire and explosive hazard. In solid form, it is a soft, ductile, silvery-white metal that instantly oxidizes in air.


Pure Europium has no commercial uses, but can be used in the production of lasers and televisions. It is sometimes used in control rods for nuclear reactors.[3] It is also used in anti-forgery marks on the Euro, because it glows red under Ultraviolet light.[4]