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

The Properties of the Lanthanum Element
Name of Element : Lanthanum
Symbol of Element : La
Atomic Number of Lanthanum : 57
Atomic Mass: 138.9055 amu
Melting Point: 920.0 °C - 1193.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3469.0 °C - 3742.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Lanthanum : 57
Number of Neutrons in Lanthanum : 82
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 6.7 g/cm3
Color of Lanthanum : silvery-white

Lanthanum as on the Periodic Table
Check out Lanthanum 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 Lanthanum 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 Lanthanum - 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 Lanthanum is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Lanthanum with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Lanthanum 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.