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#59 Pr - Praseodymium

Discovered in: 1885

Discovered by: Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach of Austria

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 Rating: No known benefit for life processes in plants and animals.

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

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: Near 0 %

Obtained from: 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.

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