Holmium oxide
Ho₂O₃The primary traded form and a wavelength-calibration standard in spectroscopy.
Ho67
Holmium
The most magnetic element in nature — used a few kilograms at a time.
Holmium has the highest magnetic moment of any naturally occurring element, giving it an outsized role relative to its tiny production volume. Thin holmium inserts are used to boost the field strength of powerful research magnets, while holmium-doped YAG crystals are a standard surgical and dental laser medium. Holmium oxide is also a recognized wavelength-calibration standard in spectroscopy because of its sharp, stable absorption lines.
Key Applications
- Magnetic field boosters in high-field research magnets
- Ho:YAG surgical and dental lasers
- Holmium oxide wavelength calibration in spectrophotometry
- Minor use as a glass and cubic zirconia colorant
Key Facts
- Atomic number
- 67
- Primary supply
- Byproduct of heavy-rare-earth separation
- Key constraint
- Very small demand and thin market depth
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Pricing & Market Trends
Market Context
$70/kgup trend
Holmium oxide, 99.5% minimum, free on board • As of 2025 average
The USGS-reported average fell from $180/kg in 2022 to $91/kg in 2023 and $67/kg in 2024, then edged up to $70/kg in 2025. Holmium’s thin market can amplify price movements when specialty demand changes.
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Rare Earths (Heavy) (February 2026)
Key Drivers
- Ho:YAG medical and dental laser demand
- Specialty high-field magnet applications
- Thin market depth
Common Holmium Compounds
Holmium-doped YAG
Ho:Y₃Al₅O₁₂A laser-crystal material used in surgical and dental lasers.
Holmium chloride
HoCl₃A soluble precursor for other holmium compounds.
Direct Answers
Holmium questions, answered
What is holmium used for?
Holmium is used to boost field strength in high-power research magnets, in Ho:YAG lasers for surgical and dental procedures, and as a wavelength-calibration standard in spectroscopy.
What makes holmium magnetically unique?
Holmium has the highest magnetic moment of any naturally occurring element, making even small amounts effective at strengthening magnetic fields in specialty applications.
How much does holmium cost?
The USGS reported a 2025 average of $70/kg for holmium oxide at 99.5% minimum purity, free on board, down sharply from $180/kg in 2022. This is historical context rather than a live quote.