57
Lanthanum
Atomic Number57
Atomic Mass138.91 u
CategoryLanthanide
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1839
About Lanthanum
The first of the lanthanide series. Used in camera and telescope lenses for high refractive index. Lanthanum nickel hydride is used in nickel-metal hydride batteries. Added to steel to improve malleability. Used in catalytic converters and fluid catalytic cracking in petroleum refining. The name means to lie hidden in Greek.
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