Praseodymium

 

 

Name Praseodymium
Symbol Pr
Atomic Number 59
Atomic Mass 140.908 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 59
Number of Neutrons 82
Number of Electrons 59
Melting Point 935.0° C
Boiling Point 3520.0° C
Density 6.77 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Rare Earth Metals
Period 6
Cost $70 per ounce

 

 

Origin of Name From the Greek word prasion, meaning green
and didymos, meaning twin
Date and Place of Discovery In 1885 in Austria
Discovered by Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is created by bombarding plutonium with alpha particles.
  • It does not occur in nature.
  • It has been studied greatly as a possible fuel for radioisotope thermoelectric generators.
  • It is chemically similar to gadolinium.
Common Uses
  • Aircraft engines
  • Motion picture industry (studio and projector lighting)
  • Coloring in glasses and enamels
  • Color cubic zirconia to simulate peridot
  • Welder and glass blower goggles

 

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