The content in the crust is 2.66 × 10%. It mainly exists in xenotime and hematite, with a content of 0.03% in monazite.

Silver white soft metal, glossy, easily oxidized, slowly corroded in air, soluble in dilute acid and liquid ammonia. A silver white metal with ductility and rich luster.

Ytterbium metal is silver gray, ductile, and has a soft texture. At room temperature, Ytterbium can be slowly oxidized by air and water.