Lanthanum price index

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Lanthanum price index

This post is a summary of the Lanthanum price developments. The price developments of Lanthanum are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Lanthanum price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Lanthanum prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Lanthanum prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Lanthanum 
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Lanthanum prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Lanthanum market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Lanthanum price index

What is Lanthanum

Lanthanum is a chemical element with the symbol La and atomic number 57. It is part of the lanthanide series, a group of 15 elements in the periodic table that starts with atomic number 57 (lanthanum) and ends with atomic number 71 (lutetium). Lanthanum is a soft, silvery-white, and malleable metal that was discovered in 1839 by the Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander.

Key properties and characteristics of lanthanum include:

Soft and Malleable

Lanthanum is a relatively soft and ductile metal, making it easy to work with in various applications.

Reactive

It readily reacts with air and moisture, forming an oxide layer that protects the metal from further oxidation.

High Melting Point

Lanthanum has a relatively high melting point, which makes it useful in applications where materials need to withstand high temperatures.

Magnetic Properties

Lanthanum exhibits ferromagnetic properties at low temperatures.

Rare Earth Element

Lanthanum is classified as a rare earth element due to its inclusion in the lanthanide series. These elements are typically found together in nature and share many chemical and physical properties.

Occurrence

Lanthanum is found in various minerals, with bastnäsite and monazite being among the primary sources of lanthanum.

Application

Lanthanum and its compounds, such as lanthanum oxide, are used in various industrial applications, including catalysts, ceramics, optics, electronics, and as a component in certain types of batteries.

It’s important to note that lanthanum, along with other rare earth elements, plays a crucial role in many advanced technologies and industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and automotive applications. The properties of lanthanum and its compounds make them valuable in these high-tech fields.

How is Lanthanum produced

Lanthanum, like other rare earth elements, is produced through a multi-step process involving mining, mineral processing, chemical extraction, and purification. The specific process can vary depending on the ore source and the desired purity of the final lanthanum product. Here is a general overview of how lanthanum is produced:

Mining

Lanthanum is typically obtained from rare earth mineral deposits, such as bastnäsite and monazite. The first step is to mine these deposits to extract the ore.

Crushing and Grinding

The mined ore is crushed and ground into a fine powder to make further processing more efficient.

Beneficiation

The powdered ore undergoes beneficiation processes, such as flotation, to separate the valuable rare earth minerals (including lanthanum) from the gangue materials (unwanted minerals and rock).

Chemical Processing

After separation from the gangue, chemical processes are used to extract lanthanum from the ore. This typically involves acid leaching, where the ore is treated with acids, such as sulfuric acid, to dissolve the lanthanum and other rare earth elements.

Precipitation and Separation

The dissolved rare earth elements are precipitated from the solution through chemical reactions or pH adjustments. The resulting precipitate contains a mixture of rare earth elements.

Separation of Lanthanum

Separation processes, such as solvent extraction or ion exchange, are employed to separate lanthanum from the other rare earth elements in the precipitate.

Reduction

Lanthanum compounds are reduced using high-temperature processes to produce metallic lanthanum. This may involve reactions with calcium or other reducing agents.

Refining

The metallic lanthanum undergoes further refining processes to remove impurities and obtain high-purity lanthanum.

Casting and Shaping

Once the lanthanum is sufficiently pure, it can be cast or shaped into the desired form for various applications, such as bars, sheets, or other custom shapes.

Packaging and Storage

The final lanthanum product is packaged and prepared for commercial use.

The production of lanthanum is a complex and resource-intensive process due to the relatively low natural abundance of rare earth minerals and the need to extract and refine them to obtain pure lanthanum. The availability and cost of lanthanum can be influenced by factors such as geopolitical considerations, environmental regulations, and market demand for rare earth elements

What is Lanthanum used for

Lanthanum and its compounds have various applications in a range of industries due to their unique properties. Some of the common uses of lanthanum include:

Catalysts

Lanthanum compounds are used as catalysts in various chemical reactions, particularly in petroleum refining and the production of chemicals. They can improve reaction efficiency and selectivity.

Ceramics

Lanthanum is used as a component in ceramics and glass manufacturing to enhance their mechanical and thermal properties. Lanthanum oxide, in particular, is added to ceramics to increase strength and heat resistance.

Optics

Lanthanum oxide is employed in the production of high-quality optical lenses and glasses because it has a high refractive index, making it valuable for lenses and prisms used in cameras, microscopes, and telescopes.

Phosphors

Lanthanum compounds, such as lanthanum oxysulfide, are used in the production of phosphors for various applications, including cathode ray tubes (CRTs), fluorescent lamps, and other display and lighting technologies.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)

Lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) is used as a cathode material in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to facilitate oxygen reduction, a critical process in these high-efficiency energy conversion devices.

Water Treatment

Lanthanum compounds are used in water treatment processes to remove impurities, such as phosphates, from water. Lanthanum-based compounds can adsorb phosphate ions effectively.

Electronics

Lanthanum-based compounds are used in the manufacturing of electronic components, including capacitors, and as a dielectric material in certain applications.

Battery Technology

Lanthanum-nickel-hydrogen (LaNi5H6) alloys are used in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, which are used in some hybrid electric vehicles and other portable electronic devices.

Optoelectronics

Lanthanum-based materials are used in optoelectronic devices, such as lasers, where their unique properties can enhance performance.

Lighting

Lanthanum is used in certain types of specialty lighting, including stage lighting and studio lighting, where the high refractive index of lanthanum compounds can enhance the quality of light output.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of lanthanum and its compounds. Lanthanum’s versatility and unique characteristics make it valuable in various industrial and technological fields

How big is the global Lanthanum market

The main rare earth elements are:

Neodymium (Nd): Neodymium is often ranked as one of the most valuable rare earth elements due to its crucial role in the production of high-strength permanent magnets used in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Cerium (Ce): Cerium is among the most abundant rare earth elements and is used in various industrial applications, such as catalysts, glass polishing, and metallurgy.

Lanthanum (La): Lanthanum is used in catalysts, ceramics, optics, and as a component in certain types of batteries and fuel cells.

Dysprosium (Dy): Dysprosium is used to improve the high-temperature performance of neodymium-iron-boron magnets. It is essential for the growth of the clean energy and electric vehicle markets.

Praseodymium (Pr): Praseodymium is used in combination with neodymium to produce high-strength magnets. It is vital in the manufacture of electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Europium (Eu): Europium is primarily used in phosphors for color television tubes, LED lighting, and other display technologies.

Terbium (Tb): Terbium is used in phosphors for color television tubes, fluorescent lamps, and as an activator for green phosphors.

Yttrium (Y): Yttrium is not a lanthanide, but it is often grouped with rare earth elements. It is used in a variety of applications, including ceramics, superconductors, and phosphors.

It’s important to note that market rankings may change over time as new technologies and applications emerge and as supply and demand conditions evolve. The demand for rare earth elements is influenced by various industries, including electronics, automotive, renewable energy, and more. For the most current market information and rankings, it’s advisable to consult industry reports and market analysis from reputable sources