Erbium
About Erbium
Erbium is a heavy rare earth element best known for its use in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers that enable long-distance fiber optic telecommunications. Its unique pink-colored ions are used in specialty glass and laser applications. Erbium is produced almost exclusively as a co-product of other rare earth element mining operations, primarily in China.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Er
- Atomic Number
- 68
- Category
- Rare Earth Element
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Erbium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Erbium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Erbium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Erbium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Erbium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Erbium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Erbium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Erbium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Erbium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Erbium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Erbium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Erbium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Erbium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.