Europium

Atomic Number: 63
Symbol: Eu
Atomic Mass: 151.96 u
Number of Neutrons: 89
Melting Point: 826°C
Boiling Point: 1529°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.18.25.8.2
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 6s²

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Europium is the 63rd element in the periodic table and it is in the lanthanide series. Europium is the most reactive lanthanide, having to be stored under a fluid to protect it from oxygen or moisture. When in touch with water it reacts like calcium and produces hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Therefore, it can be very dangerous to be dealt with. Europium is quite rare and is found under the ground in minerals and ores. It can be found in the ores bastnasite and monazite. This element can even be found in the sun and some stars! Europium was discovered in 1901 by French chemist Eugene-Anatole Demarcay. As you might already have assumed, europium is named after Europe.

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