Holmium (Ho)
The spectral absorption bands of holmium were first noticed in 1878 and holmia, its yellow oxide was prepared in 1911. Holmium occurs in gadolinite, monazite, and other rare earth minerals.
Pure holmium has a metallic and bright silver luster. It's soft and malleable, stable at room temperature and in dry air, and rapidly oxidizes in moist air and elevated temperatures.
The metal has unusual magnetic properties, but few uses for holmium are known.
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