Erbium (Er): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Erbium is a heavy rare earth that makes long-distance fiber optic communication possible. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers boost light signals in undersea and terrestrial internet cables, and erbium is also used in medical and cosmetic lasers.
| Symbol | Er |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 68 |
| Group | Heavy rare earth (HREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Fiber optic amplifiers; Lasers; Glass and alloys |
| Main sources | Ionic adsorption clays and other heavy rare earth ores, mainly in China and Myanmar |
| China export status | October 2025 controls, currently suspended |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Erbium Price
There is no public benchmark for erbium; volumes are small and contracts private.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Erbium Used For?
- Fiber optic amplifiers. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers strengthen optical signals in telecom networks without converting them to electricity.
- Lasers. Erbium:YAG lasers are used in dermatology and dentistry.
- Glass and alloys. Erbium gives a pink colour to glass and is used in some specialty alloys.
Where Does Erbium Come From?
Erbium is a minor heavy rare earth separated mostly in China. The amounts needed for fiber amplifiers are very small, so the erbium market is small even though its uses are critical.
China export controls on erbium
China announced export controls on this element in October 2025, together with holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium, then suspended them. The suspension runs to at least 10 November 2026; the US says it has been extended to 10 January 2027, but China has not published matching text.
How to Invest in Erbium
Erbium is a minor by-product for heavy rare earth separators. Telecom equipment makers use erbium, but its cost is a negligible part of their products.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Erbium Investment Risks
- Very small market with limited price transparency.
- Supply depends on Chinese separation and on the status of suspended export controls.
Erbium FAQ
What is erbium used for?
Erbium is used mainly in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers for optical telecom networks. It is also used in Er:YAG medical lasers and to colour glass.
Why is erbium important for the internet?
Erbium is important for the internet because erbium-doped fiber amplifiers boost light signals in long-distance fiber cables, including undersea cables.
Can you invest in erbium?
You cannot invest in erbium directly. It is a small by-product of heavy rare earth separation and has no dedicated stock, fund or futures market.
Other Heavy rare earth (HREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.