Holmium (Ho)
"The Elemental Master of Magnetism and Laser Precision, Holmium channels incredible magnetic force and pin-point laser accuracy to solve the universe's toughest challenges."
A memorable persona to anchor Ho in your mind.
8.79
Grams per cm³
1472
Celsius (°C)
216
Radius (pm)
Daily Life Link
The secret ingredient in some cutting-edge medical lasers and super-strong laboratory magnets.
Discovery & History
Year Discovered
1878
Discovered By
Jacques-Louis Soret & Marc Delafontaine
Origin of Name
"The name is derived from the Latin name for Stockholm, ''Holmia''."
Technical Properties
Atomic Mass
164.93 u
Standard State
solid
Boiling Point
2700°C
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f116s2
1st Ionization Energy
6.022 eV
Electron Affinity
N/A
Oxidation States
"A gleaming, silver-white metal, surprisingly soft and ductile."
Did You Know?
Holmium holds the *record* for the highest magnetic moment of *any naturally occurring element*. Talk about a magnetic personality!
Its name, Holmium, is a cool nod to 'Holmia,' the Latin name for Stockholm, Sweden, the city where it was first truly identified!
Holmium oxide pulls a magical color-changing trick! It can look yellow-orange in natural light, but switch to a peachy-pink under fluorescent light. Wild!
Holmium-YAG lasers are surgical superheroes, used in incredibly precise operations, from breaking up kidney stones to delicate eye surgeries.