Origin / Meaning of the name Cerium
The name originates from the asteroid Ceres.

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Cerium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Cerium 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.

The Discovery of Cerium
Cerium was discovered by Jons Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm von Hisinger in Sweden in 1803.

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Cerium Element
Properties within each individual group are similar, but nevertheless vary within a group. Generally chemical activity decreases as the period increases a non-metal group and increases as the period increases within a metal group. The first element in a group is always an active metal, the last is always an inactive non-metal.

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 Cerium Element
Obtained from monazite and bastnaesite

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 1×10^-6%
% in Sun 4×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000075%
% in Earth's Crust 0.006%
% in Oceans 1.2×10^-10%
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Cerium
Making Aluminium alloys
Cigarette lighters
Incandescent gas mantles
Petroleum refining
Arc lighting

The Properties of the Cerium Element
Name of Element : Cerium
Symbol of Element : Ce
Atomic Number of Cerium : 58
Atomic Mass: 140.116 amu
Melting Point: 795.0 °C - 1068.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3257.0 °C - 3530.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Cerium : 58
Number of Neutrons in Cerium : 82
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 6.773 g/cm3
Color of Cerium : gray

Cerium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Cerium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Cerium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Cerium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Cerium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Cerium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Cerium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.