Ytterbium

Ytterbium, chemical element, symbol Yb; for physical constants, see Periodic Table. Ytterbium was discovered by Jean de Marignac in 1878. It occurs in the minerals xenotime, polycrase, gadolinite, and monazite, the principal source of the element. It is prepared by reducing the anhydrous fluoride with calcium. Ytterbium is a silvery, soft, malleable, ductile, reactive metal belonging to the series of elements known as the rare-earth metals. Ion-exchange and solvent extraction techniques have led to much easier isolation of the rare-earth elements. Ytterbium has strong magnetic properties and a characteristic spectrum. It has possible use as a stainless steel additive. Ytterbium and its compounds are used in carbon-arc lighting, glass, and ceramics. Radioactive ytterbium is used as a portable X-ray source.