Discovered in: 1901

Discovered by: Eugene Demarcay of France

Description: Named after Europe, europium is a soft, silvery metal. It is the most reactive of the lanthanides, strongly reacting with air, water and acids. Chemically, europium's reactions are similar to calcium. It is used in some superconductor alloys and in television screens, where it produces the red color. Europium readily absorbs neutrons, so it has use in control rods for nuclear reactors. It is also used in lasers and certain alloys.

Biological Rating: No known benefits for life processes in plants and animals. Biological Benefits: Europium has no known biological use.

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: Near 0 %

Obtained from: Europium is obtained from bastnasite and monazite, where it occurs as an impurity. It is mined in the USA, China, Russia, Australia, and India.