The oxidation of solid europium(II) sulphide under mild conditions has been examined by
151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results show that europium(II) sulphide is remarkably stable to oxidation at 25°C and is only
partially converted to Eu
3+ after exposure to air for four days. Treatment in air at a temperature of 250°C for six hours induces a similar degree of
oxidation. The mechanism and kinetics of oxidation of curopium(II) sulphide under mild conditions in the solid state are therefore
non-trivial matters.