Chemical element er, also known as erbium, belongs to the lanthanide series of elements. Erbium is a silvery-white rare earth metal that has the atomic number 68 and the symbol Er. The element is used in the production of fiber optic cables, nuclear reactors, and as a colorant for glass. There are a few synonyms for the chemical element er, including erbium, Er, and rare earth metal. Other elements in the lanthanide series include cerium, neodymium, and ytterbium, among others. These elements also have important industrial applications in electronics, catalysis, and magnetic technology.