Periodic table / Lutetium

Overview

Lutetium is a chemical element with symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It is a silvery white metal, which resists corrosion in dry, but not in moist air. It is considered the first element of the 6th-period transition metals and the last element in the lanthanide series, and is traditionally counted among the rare earths.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Lutetium is [Xe] 4f14 5d1 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 9, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Lutetium is classified as a lanthanide. It has an atomic mass of 174.967 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Lutetium

Lutetium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.

Interesting facts about Lutetium

• Lutetium has the atomic number 71 and chemical symbol Lu.
• It belongs to period 6, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Lutetium was discovered by Georges Urbain.

Explore Lutetium interactively

Want to compare Lutetium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Lu to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.