58
Cerium
Atomic Number58
Atomic Mass140.12 u
CategoryLanthanide
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1803
About Cerium
The most abundant rare earth element. Used in catalytic converters to reduce emissions. Cerium oxide is used to polish glass and semiconductor wafers. Self-cleaning ovens use cerium oxide coatings. Gas mantles for lanterns were made with thorium and cerium. Named after the asteroid Ceres, discovered two years earlier.
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