Europium is a chemical element with the symbol Eu and atomic number 63. It is a rare earth metal that belongs to the lanthanide series on the periodic table. Europium is known for its unique properties, including its ability to emit a bright red light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, making it valuable in the production of phosphors for television screens and LED lights. Discovered in 1896 by Eugène-Antoine Demarçay, europium is one of the least abundant elements in the Earth's crust. It is primarily obtained from minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. Due to its rarity and special properties, europium is used in various applications, including nuclear reactors and as a dopant in certain types of glass.