Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.

Praseodymium

Although derived from the Greek "prasios didymos" meaning "green twin," praseodymium's name has no relation to its natural colour. Praseodymium is a silvery metal with a yellowish colouration.

No extensive applications have been attributed to praseodymium or its salts. This soft and malleable element is a constituent of misch metal, used to produce flint. Also, it is a component of the carbon arc lights used in the motion picture industry. Occasionally, praseodymium may be found as a component in permanent magnets.

The glass industry uses praseodymium to produce objects such as welder's goggles. When mixed with certain materials, the salts of praseodymium impart an intense yellow colour to glass.