![Dysprosium element card: symbol Dy, atomic number 66, atomic mass 162.50, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁰ 6s², oxidation states +3, Lanthanide, f-block, period 6, solid at room temperature.](https://stage.chemistry-dictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/dysprosium-chemical-element.webp)
On the periodic table, dysprosium sits in the f-block alongside other heavy elements. It is never found alone in nature because it reacts too quickly with other elements. Instead, miners extract it from mineral ores like bastnasite and monazite.
In chemical reactions, dysprosium usually loses three electrons to form ions with a +3 charge. These ions form pale yellow salts that dissolve easily in water. A common student misconception is that dysprosium is a highly magnetic metal at all times.
In reality, its magnetic properties change completely depending on the temperature. It is strongly magnetic only at extremely cold temperatures below minus 185 degrees Celsius. At room temperature, the metal is paramagnetic, meaning it only responds weakly to nearby magnets.
Solid dysprosium reacts very slowly with oxygen in dry air at room temperature. But if you heat it, the metal burns brightly to form dysprosium(III) oxide. It also reacts slowly with cold water to release hydrogen gas.
Like its neighbor samarium, dysprosium is excellent at absorbing neutrons. This ability allows engineers to use it in control rods to regulate nuclear reactors. Chemists also use dysprosium salts to create bright lighting for stadium lamps. Most of the world’s dysprosium goes into making advanced permanent magnets.