Density
6.15 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
Discovery
Lanthanum was discovered in 1839 by Carl Gustav Mosander, a Swedish chemist.
Common Uses
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Lanthanum oxide is used in camera lenses to improve refractive index and reduce dispersion.
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Used in some high-intensity discharge lamps.
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Lanthanum-nickel alloys are used in rechargeable batteries.
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Used as a catalyst in petroleum refining.
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Lanthanum compounds are used in some phosphate-free detergents.
Interesting Facts
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Lanthanum is a soft, silvery-white metal that can be cut with a knife.
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It is one of the more reactive rare earth metals and tarnishes rapidly when exposed to air.
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The name "lanthanum" comes from the Greek word "lanthanein," meaning "to lie hidden."
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Lanthanum is the first element of the lanthanide series, a group of 15 chemically similar elements.
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