Definition of the Lutetium Element
A silvery-white rare-earth element that is exceptionally difficult to separate from the other rare-earth elements, used in nuclear technology. It is the hardest and the densest of the lanthanides. The Atomic Number of this element is 71 and the Element Symbol is Lu.

Origin / Meaning of the name Lutetium
The name originates from the Latin word Lutetia from the ancient Latin name for the city of  Paris.

Facts about the Discovery and History of the Lutetium Element
Lutetium was discovered by by French scientist Georges Urbain and Austrian mineralogist Baron Carol Auer von Welsbach in 1907.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Lutetium Element
Obtained from gadolinite & xenotime.

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 1×10^-8%
% in Sun 1×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 2.9×10^-6%
% in Earth's Crust 0.000056%
% in Oceans 1.5×10^-11%
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Lutetium
No known uses

The Properties of the Lutetium Element
Name of Element : Lutetium
Symbol of Element : Lu
Atomic Number: 71
Atomic Mass: 174.967 amu
Melting Point: 1656.0 °C - 1929.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3315.0 °C - 3588.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 71
Number of Neutrons: 104
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 9.85 g/cm3
Color: silvery-white

Lutetium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Lutetium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Lutetium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Lutetium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Lutetium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Lutetium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Lutetium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.