Applications
Holmium alloys are used as a magnetic flux concentrator to create the strongest
artificially-generated magnetic fields. It is also used in nuclear reactors for
nuclear control rods. Holmium oxide is used as yellow gas colouring.
Holmium in the environment
Holmium is one of the rarer of the rare-earth elements but is, nevertheless, 20
times more abundant than Silver. Like all other rare earths, Holmium is not
naturally found as free element. It is found in minerals such as monazite and
bastanasite, even if it is just a minor components of such ores.
World production of Holmium is around 10 tonnes per year and main mining areas
are China, USA, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Australia. Reserves of Holmium are
hestimated to be around 400.000 tonnes.
Health effects of Holmium
Holmium has no biological role and it is considered one of the least abundant
elements present in human body. It has been noted that Holmium stimulates
metabolism, even if it appears to have a low acute toxic rating.
Environmental effects of Holmium
Holmium poses no Environmental therat to plants and animals.