Cerium

Cerium (Ce)

Atomic Number: 58
Atomic Weight: 140.12
Melting Point: 799
Boiling Point: 3426
Specific Gravity: 6.67-8.23 (depending on form)
Valence(s): 3 or 4
Cerium was discovered by Klaproth and by Berzelius and Hisinger in 1803. It is the most abundant lanthanide element. Monazite and bastnasite are the two main sources. Cerium compounds are used in self-cleaning ovens. Cerium is used in lighting in the motion picture industry. [LM] {RW}