Praseodymium - Pr
Praseodymium (Pr)
Praseodymium is a soft, silvery lanthanide metal. It tarnishes slowly in air and reacts with water. In nature, it occurs in rare-earth minerals, including monazite and bastnäsite, rather than as the free element.
| Atomic number | 59 |
|---|---|
| Relative atomic mass | 140.908 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f3 6s2 |
| Density | 6.77 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 931 °C |
| Boiling point | 3520 °C |
| Common oxidation state | +3 |
Uses and applications
Praseodymium is used in some high-strength alloys and permanent-magnet materials. Its compounds can colour glass and ceramics; praseodymium-containing glass is also used in specialised optical applications.
Praseodymium and water treatment
Praseodymium is not commonly added in municipal or industrial water-treatment processes. It can be relevant in water and residue management at rare-earth mining, separation, and recycling facilities, where dissolved metals and process chemicals need to be assessed together.
Occurrence and environmental context
Praseodymium is recovered with other rare-earth elements from ores such as monazite and bastnäsite. Its environmental distribution depends on mineral composition and the chemical conditions that control dissolution, adsorption, and transport.
Health and safety
Exposure risks vary by compound and form. Avoid inhaling dust or aerosols and follow the product safety data sheet and workplace controls for handling praseodymium materials.
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Sources and further reading
Element page last reviewed: 24 October 2026 by Lenntech.