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Origin / Meaning of the name Lanthanum
The name originates
from the Greek word lanthanein meaning 'to lie hidden' because it
hid in cerium ore and was difficult to separate from that rare
earth mineral.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Lanthanum Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Lanthanum
classified
as an element in the Lanthanide series as one of the "Rare Earth
Elements" which can located in Group 3 elements of the Periodic
Table and in the 6th and 7th periods. The Rare Earth Elements are
divided into the Lanthanide and Actinide series. The elements in
the Lanthanide series closely resemble lanthanum, and one another,
in their chemical and physical properties. Their compounds are
used as catalysts in the production of petroleum and synthetic
products. Nearly 75%
of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as
metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Lanthanum
Element
Lanthanum was discovered by
Carl G. Mosander
in 1839
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief
History of the
Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous
scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of
the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Lanthanum Element
Obtained chiefly from
monazite and bastnaesite
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
2×10-7%
% in Sun 2×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000028%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0034%
% in Oceans 3.4×10-10%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Lanthanum
Glass manufacture
Carbon lights for movie and television studio lighting
Camera lenses |
