Holmium Oxide, Holmia, Holmium Sesquioxide, 12055-62-8

Holmium Oxide, Holmia, Holmium Sesquioxide, 12055-62-8

🧪 Holmium(III) Oxide (Ho₂O₃)

Holmium(III) oxide, commonly called Holmia, is a rare earth oxide composed of holmium and oxygen. It is valued for its optical, magnetic, and nuclear properties, making it a critical material in lasers, specialty glasses, ceramics, and nuclear applications.

1️⃣ Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Holmium(III) Oxide

• Formula: Ho₂O₃

• Molecular Weight: 377.86 g/mol

• CAS Number: 12055-62-8

• EC Number: 234-241-5

• Appearance: Yellowish to brown powder

• Crystal Structure: Cubic bixbyite type

• Density: ~8.41 g/cm³

• Melting Point: ~2,410 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in strong acids

2️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties

• Color: Yellow-brown hue due to holmium’s electronic transitions.

• Optical Properties: Absorption bands in visible and infrared regions; used in optical devices and lasers.

• Magnetic Properties: Holmium has one of the highest magnetic moments among rare earths; oxide form is studied for magnetic applications.

• Thermal Stability: High melting point and phase stability.

• Chemical Behavior: Stable in air; reacts with acids to form holmium salts.

3️⃣ Applications

• Optics & Lasers:

  • Ho³⁺ ions are used in solid-state lasers (emission ~2.1 µm), applied in medicine and defense.

  • Infrared optical devices and specialty ceramics.

• Glass & Ceramics:

  • Coloring agent and UV absorber in specialty glasses.

  • Additive in ceramics for enhanced properties.

• Electronics:

  • Thin films and dielectric layers in advanced devices.

• Nuclear Technology:

  • Holmium isotopes have high neutron absorption cross-sections; oxide form is indirectly used in control rods and shielding.

• Metallurgy:

  • Alloying additive to improve mechanical properties.

4️⃣ Synonyms

• Holmium Oxide

• Holmium(III) Oxide

• Holmia

• Ho₂O₃

• Holmium Sesquioxide

5️⃣ Safety & Handling

• Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; fine powders may irritate eyes and respiratory tract.

• Precautions: Gloves, goggles, and dust masks recommended.

• Storage: Keep in dry, sealed containers; protect from moisture.

• Waste Disposal: Follow local environmental regulations for rare earth oxides.

📌 Summary: Holmium(III) Oxide (CAS 12055-62-8) is a rare earth oxide with optical, magnetic, and nuclear properties, making it indispensable in lasers, specialty glasses, ceramics, electronics, and nuclear control systems.