Lutetium Fluoride (LuF3)

Lutetium fluoride (LuF3) is one of the important lutetium compounds. Compounds of lutetium always contain the element in the oxidation state +3. Aqueous solutions of most lutetium salts are colorless and form white crystalline solids upon drying, except the iodide. Lutetium salts, such as nitrate, sulfate and acetate are water soluble while the oxide, hydroxide, fluoride, carbonate, phosphate and oxalate are insoluble in water. Lutetium is silvery-white and is the last element in the rare earth series. However, unlike most rare earths, Lutetium lacks a magnetic moment and is the least naturally abundant element of its series. The mineral monazite is the most common source of commercially produced Lutetium.