Holmium (Ho): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Holmium is a heavy rare earth with the highest magnetic moment of any naturally occurring element. Holmium is used in medical lasers, in pole pieces for powerful magnets and in small amounts in some NdFeB magnets.
| Symbol | Ho |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 67 |
| Group | Heavy rare earth (HREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Medical lasers; High-field magnets; Magnet additive |
| 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 |
Holmium Price
There is no public benchmark for holmium; 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 Holmium Used For?
- Medical lasers. Holmium:YAG lasers are widely used in urology to break up kidney stones and in other surgery.
- High-field magnets. Holmium pole pieces concentrate magnetic fields in research and medical magnets.
- Magnet additive. Holmium is added to some NdFeB magnet grades as a partial substitute for other heavy rare earths.
Where Does Holmium Come From?
Holmium is a minor component of heavy rare earth ores and is separated almost entirely in China. Output is small and follows dysprosium and terbium production.
China export controls on holmium
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 Holmium
Holmium is a minor by-product of heavy rare earth separation. It adds value to heavy rare earth separators but is not a reason to invest in any company on its own.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Holmium Investment Risks
- Very small market with limited price transparency.
- Supply depends on Chinese separation and on the status of suspended export controls.
Holmium FAQ
What is holmium used for?
Holmium is used mainly in holmium:YAG medical lasers, in pole pieces for high-field magnets and as an additive in some NdFeB magnets.
Does holmium have the strongest magnetic moment?
Yes, holmium has the highest magnetic moment of any naturally occurring element, which is why it is used to concentrate fields in powerful magnets.
Does China control holmium exports?
China announced export controls on holmium in October 2025 and then suspended them. The suspension runs to at least 10 November 2026; the US says it has been extended to January 2027.
Other Heavy rare earth (HREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.