Like the other metals in the rare earths group, dysprosium is usually separated from its kin via time consuming processes that drive up the cost of getting the isolated element. Also as in the rest of these cases, the type that is most often available will be fibrous-looking pieces that form as crystals precipitated out of solution - and it's the end stage of the lab purification process before being shipped off to the customer. 

CAS 7429-91-6