Discovered in Paris in 1886 by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran and named for the Greek translation of dysprositos which means "hard to get", techniques to purify dysprosium were not refined until the 1950s after ion exchange techniques were developed. Dysprosium along with holmium (another of our rare earth metals) have the highest magnetic strength of all the elements. About 100 tonnes of dysprosium (compared with over 2500 tonnes of gold) is produced worldwide annually with 99% of this coming from China. It has many industrial uses, many of which are are in electronics and clean energy technologies including the use of dysprosium in the control rods of nuclear reactors, in electric vehicles, and in wind turbines. The U.S. Department of Energy had previously predicted a shortage of dysprosium as early as 2015 so that seemingly may manifest any year now. It along with the other rare earth metals sit atop the British Geologic Survey's Risk List.
Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (Dy), purity (99.5%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. There can be small edge dings, scratches and other small imperfections which do not detract from the inherent value of this rare earth metal. Though oxidation is not typically a big problem with dysprosium metal as it can be with other rare earth metals, it will still oxidize and these ingots have a little darker cast compared with our non-rare earth metals as a result. They are best stored in a cool, dry place. As always, weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. The solid ingot form of dysprosium generally is considered safe when handled appropriately. It's fine turnings or powder form can ignite and explode. As we suggest with all of our metals please keep in a safe place, do not ingest, and keep out of the reach of children.
Each ingot will be shipped with an assay certificate and every shipment will include our velvet logo bag. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $99 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $99 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysprosium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/riskList.html
