What is Cerium?
Cerium is a chemical element represented by the symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides, which are often referred to as rare earth metals. Despite this name, cerium is actually one of the more abundant rare earth elements found in the Earth’s crust. It is a silvery-white, ductile metal that is relatively soft and quite reactive, particularly when exposed to air.
Discovery of Cerium
Cerium was discovered independently in 1803 by two different teams of scientists. Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm Hisinger identified it in Sweden, while Martin Heinrich Klaproth made the same discovery in Germany around the same time. Both teams were examining a heavy mineral from a mine in Sweden when they isolated this new element.
Origin of its Name
The name “Cerium” was inspired by the dwarf planet Ceres. Ceres itself had been discovered just two years earlier, in 1801, by Giuseppe Piazzi. The discoverers of the element chose to name it after this newly found celestial body, following a tradition of naming elements after astronomical objects.
Quick Facts about Cerium
- Cerium is the most abundant element within the lanthanide series, making up about 66 parts per million of the Earth’s crust.
- It is a highly reactive metal; it readily tarnishes when exposed to air and water, forming cerium oxide.
- Cerium is commonly found in mineral deposits such as monazite and bastnäsite. Monazite sand, rich in cerium, is found along coastal regions in India, particularly in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- An alloy containing cerium, known as ferrocerium, is widely used as the “flint” in common lighters, producing sparks when struck.
- Cerium oxide (ceria) is an excellent polishing agent used in the manufacture of high-quality glass, including television screens, optical lenses, and even in car manufacturing for catalytic converters.