Facts
Erbium is one of the heavy rare earth elements. These are less abundant than the lighter members of this group. Erbium is mined primarily in southern China and neighbouring Myanmar.
Erbium turns pink upon oxidation and is therefore used as a dye in glass and porcelain production. It also enhances the performance of fiber optic cables and has thus played a key role in the construction of global internet connections. Furthermore, erbium is used in medicine as a laser. Erbium can also be used in the treatment of certain radionuclides, as a contrast agent for the gastrointestinal tract, and as an additive for certain medications. In medical imaging, erbium compounds are sometimes used as contrast agents.
Toxicity: Erbium is considered of low toxicity, especially compared to other rare earth elements. Erbium compounds are considered relatively harmless.
Erbium is not an essential element for the human body, so understanding of its biological functions is still relatively limited. Currently, erbium's main applications are still focused on technical fields such as materials science, optics, and medicine, rather than on biology.