Praseodymium (Pr)

Atomic Number59
Atomic Mass140.907662 u
CategoryLanthanide
Electron Config[Xe] 4f³ 6s²
Appearancegrayish white
Density (STP)6640 g/L
Melting Point1208 K
Boiling Point3403 K
Electronegativity1.13 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy527 kJ/mol
Atomic Radius185 pm
Crystal StructureSimple Hexagonal
Discovered ByCarl Auer von Welsbach (1885)

Brief Introduction

Praseodymium (Pr) is a soft, silvery, malleable rare earth metal that develops a green oxide coating when exposed to air. It is used primarily for its magnetic and optical properties. Key details about Praseodymium (Pr) are as follows:

Uses: Used in strong permanent magnets (with neodymium), yellow-green pigments for ceramics and glass, carbon arc lighting for movie projectors, welding goggles (absorbs infrared and yellow light), and in mischmetal for lighter flints.

Production/Extraction: Extracted from monazite and bastnäsite ores alongside other rare earths. China dominates production. Relatively abundant among rare earth elements.

History: Discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach in Austria by separating it from didymium (a mixture of praseodymium and neodymium). Named from Greek "prasios didymos" (green twin).

Health Effects & Safety: Low toxicity with limited data. No known biological role. Praseodymium compounds should be handled with care. Dust may be a fire hazard.

Price/Market: Moderate pricing. Demand driven by magnets and specialty glass applications. Price fluctuates with rare earth market dynamics and Chinese export policies.

Properties: Soft and malleable, forms green oxide coating in air, exhibits +3 oxidation state primarily (also +4), paramagnetic, and compounds are characteristically green or yellow-green.

← Cerium (Ce) · Neodymium (Nd) →

Periodic Table