Erbium is a rare earth element used in fiber optic amplifiers, lasers, and pink-tinted glass and ceramics. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are the backbone of global internet infrastructure.
Top Uses of Erbium
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) for internet infrastructure
Medical and dental lasers
Neutron-absorbing nuclear alloys
Pink colorant in glass and ceramics
Top Erbium Producing Countries
China
Australia
United States
Why Erbium Is a Critical Mineral
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers underpin the global internet backbone, making erbium essential to digital communications infrastructure.
Related Critical Minerals
Dysprosium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Terbium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Yttrium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Gadolinium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Holmium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Lutetium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Frequently Asked Questions about Erbium
What is the price of erbium today?
Critical Minerals HQ tracks the live erbium price in USD/kg, refreshed every 15 minutes during market hours from institutional pricing feeds.
What is erbium used for?
Erbium is a rare earth element used in fiber optic amplifiers, lasers, and pink-tinted glass and ceramics. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are the backbone of global internet infrastructure.
Which countries produce the most erbium?
The leading producers of erbium are China, Australia, United States, according to the latest USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries.
Why is erbium considered a critical mineral?
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers underpin the global internet backbone, making erbium essential to digital communications infrastructure.