Lanthanum
LAN-the-nem
Lanthanum (La) is a soft silvery white coloured metal that has the atomic number 57 in the periodic table. It is a Lanthanide metal. It has the symbol La.
Lanthanum is classed as a rare earth metal much like Yttrium. It was discovered by Carl Mosander in 1839 in the mineral cerite. Moander took some finely powdered Cerium nitrate and mixed it with nitric acid, upon separating out the solid he obtained a brick red oxide. It was not until 1923 that pure Lanthanum was obtained by electrolysis. Much like the alkali metals Lanthanum can be cut with a knife and oxidises quickly and is reactive with water. Lanthanum is used in rechargeable batteries and as a catalyst to crack petroleum fractions. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 920°c and a boiling point of 3464°c.
FAQ's
Carl Mosander
1839
Uses
It is used in the electodes of high-intensity, carbon-arc lights. Also used in the production of high-grade europium metal. Because it gives glass refractive properties, it is used in expensive camera lenses.
Sources
Found with rare earths in monazite and bastnasite. Monazite sand typicall contains 25% lanthanum.
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
La
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