A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

110

Lanthanides

57 57 82

State: Solid

Lanthanum Discovery: 1839

La

57

This lamp

uses lanthanum

to reduce the

yellow colour

in its light.

In its molten

state, lanthanum

is used to smooth

rough diamonds.

Forms

Uses

Although the word “lanthanum” means

“to lie hidden”, it is more abundant than

most metals. For example, it is three times

more common than lead. This element was

discovered in the mineral cerite in 1839.

However, it took chemists almost another

100 years to find a way to purify the metal.

Today, the mineral bastnasite is a source

of pure lanthanum. The element’s

applications range from its use in film

studio lights and lens-making to

refining petroleum.

Lanthanum

carbonate is used to

treat patients with

kidney

disease.

Molten lanthanum

Fluorescent lamp

Camera lens

This reddish-brown

mineral is also found in

other colours, including

white, tan, and grey.

This metal burns

easily when ignited.

This lens can better

focus light on an object

due to the presence

of lanthanum oxide

in the glass.

Ba

st

na

sit

e

Black tarnish

forms on pure metal

when it comes into

contact with air.

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110-111_Lanthanum_Cerium_Praseodymium.indd 110 02/12/16 6:53 pm