Overview
Lanthanum is a soft, silvery rare earth metal used in catalysts, optical glass and battery materials.
Properties
It commonly exhibits +3 oxidation state, forms oxides used in catalysts and enhances optical properties in glass.
Occurrence and Uses
Lanthanum is used in petroleum refining catalysts, camera lenses, nickel metal hydride batteries and specialty alloys.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope La 139 predominates; lanthanum compounds are handled with standard industrial precautions.