Cerium
SER-i-em
Cerium (Ce) is a iron-gray coloured metal that has the atomic number 58 in the periodic table. It is a Lanthanide metal. It has the symbol Ce.
Cerium is the most abundant of the Lanthanide series and is not found free as an element but in minerals in the earth’s crust. Cerium is used with other lanthanides to produce alloys for use as flint in cigarette lighters. It is also used in arc lighting. Cerium oxide has a wide use as a catalytic convertor to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Cerium was discovered in 1803 by Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm von Hisinger who isolated it in the mineral cerite as a reddish brown element. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 795°c and a boiling point of 3443°c.
FAQ's
W. von Hisinger, J. Berzelius, M. Klaproth
1803
Uses
Its oxides are used in the optics and glass-making industries. Its salts are used in the photography and textile industry. Used in high-intensity carbon lamps and as alloying agents in special metals.
Sources
Most abundant rare earth metal. Found in many minerals like monazite sand [Ce(PO4)].
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Ce
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