Lanthanum

57
La
138.055

lanthanum.jpg (36026 bytes)
Lanthanum is used in lighter flints.

Properties
Symbol Name Atomic Number Atomic Weight Group Number
La Lanthanum 57 138.055

Description

Standard State: solid at 298 K
Color: silvery white

Lanthanum was extracted from impure cerium nitrate by Mosander. 

Lanthanum as a metal can be produced by reducing the anhydrous fluoride with calcium and can be cut with a knife.  It oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air, when it is in cold water it is slowly attacked, but is attacked more quickly with hot water.  Small amounts of lanthanum, as an additive, can be used to produce nodular cast iron.