Element 66
Dysprosium
Lanthanides
Dysprosium (Dy) is in the f-block of the periodic table — group 3, period 6.
Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 66
- Atomic mass
- 162.500 u
- Group / Period
- 3 / 6
- Block
- f-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 8.54 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1406.8 °C
- Boiling point
- 2566.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f10 6s2
Periodic table block
Dysprosium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Elements land in the f-block when their highest-energy electrons fill an f subshell — these are the lanthanides and actinides shown beneath the main table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Wind turbine magnets
- •Hard disks
- •Laser materials
Discovery
Year: 1886
Discovered by: Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Dysprosium?
Dysprosium has atomic number 66. Its symbol is Dy and its atomic mass is 162.5 u.
What category of element is Dysprosium?
Dysprosium is classified as lanthanides. It sits in group 3, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Dysprosium in?
Dysprosium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the f subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f10 6s2.
What is Dysprosium used for?
Common uses of Dysprosium include: Wind turbine magnets, Hard disks, Laser materials.
When was Dysprosium discovered?
Dysprosium was discovered in 1886 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran.
Play the game
Test your knowledge in The Lab
20-round element ID, cryptic 3-clue guesser, and an interactive periodic table.
Open The Lab →