59Pr Praseodymium

Description

Named from the Greek words meaning “green twin” (it forms a green compound when it reacts with oxygen), praseodymium is a soft, malleable, silvery-yellow metal. It reacts slowly with air and rapidly with water. Praseodymium is used in carbon arc lamps and to color the glass in welder’s goggles (known as didymium glass). It also provides a yellow tint for other types of glass and ceramics. Praseodymium comprises 5 % of the alloy mischmetal, as well as use in permanent magnet alloys.

Biological Benefits

Praseodymium has no known biological use. It does stimulate the metabolism.

Role in Life Processes

No known benefit for life processes in plants and animals.

Sources

Praseodymium is chiefly obtained from monazite and bastnasite, where it occurs as an impurity. It is mined in the USA, China, Russia, Australia, and India.