Ytterbium is a chemical element with the symbol Yb and atomic number 70. It belongs to the lanthanide series of the periodic table, which consists of 15 elements known for their similar properties. Ytterbium is a silvery-white metal that is relatively stable in air and is often used in various applications, including electronics and materials science. This element was discovered in 1878 by the Swedish chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac. Ytterbium is primarily obtained from minerals such as monazite and xenotime. It has unique optical and magnetic properties, making it valuable in laser technology and as a dopant in certain types of glass.