Where is lanthanum mined

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Thank you! Bomgardner July 27, A version of this story appeared in Volume 93, Issue These new textile dyeing methods could make fashion more sustainable. To produce rare earths from mined ore, Molycorp has invested millions of dollars in downstream processing units. Credit: Shutterstock All.

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Nearly all uses of lanthanides involve their compounds, not the pure metals which are very reactive. The principal use of lanthanum is as a catalyst in petroleum refining, and in nickel-hydride rechargeable batteries. Lanthanum has refractive properties and is used in optical glass, especially in cameras. Lanthanum also is used in special hydrogen sponge alloys, which can absorb great amounts of hydrogen.

This reaction also releases heat. Lanthanum is also used in carbon arc lamps lights and in medical tracers. Lanthanum is silvery white, malleable, ductile and so soft you can slice it with a knife. It is one of the most reactive rare-earth metals, which are also called lanthanides. The element reacts with elemental carbon , nitrogen , boron , selenium , silicon , phosphorus , sulfur , and also with halogens. It can oxidize rapidly in air, and is attacked by both cold as well as hot water.

Natural lanthanum has two stable isotopes, La and La, as well as 23 other radioactive isotopes. As a rare-earth metal , lanthanum is found in rare-earth minerals such as cerite, monazite, allanite and bastnasite.