Overview
Promethium is a radioactive lanthanide produced synthetically and found only in trace amounts as fission product or made in reactors.
Properties
It exhibits typical lanthanide chemistry, is radioactive with no stable isotopes and has limited commercial uses due to scarcity and radioactivity.
Occurrence and Uses
Used in research, luminous paint historically and as a beta source for thickness gauges and nuclear batteries in specialized applications.
Isotopes and Safety
Promethium isotopes e.g., Pm 147 are radioactive and require radiological controls for handling, storage and disposal.