Description
Overview
Lanthanum, a soft and silvery-white rare earth metal, is highly reactive and often processed into ingots, powder, or lanthanum oxide for industrial use. Extracted primarily from bastnäsite and monazite ores through refining processes, lanthanum is a key material in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for energy storage in hybrid vehicles and electronics, and as a catalyst in petroleum refining. It’s also used in optical glass and phosphors for lighting. Its role in sustainable energy and its recyclability make lanthanum a valuable resource in the technology metals market.
Properties
- Composition: Typically 99.9% or higher pure lutetium.
- Density: 9.84 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 1,663°C (3,025°F).
- Color: Silvery-white, metallic, and lustrous (tarnishes slowly in air).
- Malleability: Moderately malleable, can be shaped with effort.
- Ductility: Limited ductility, can be drawn into wires with difficulty.
- Electrical Conductivity: Poor conductor, resistivity ~79 μΩ·cm at 20°C.
- Thermal Conductivity: Low, ~16.4 W/(m·K) at 20°C.
- orrosion Resistance: Moderately reactive, forms oxide layer in air; reacts with acids.
Applications
- Medical imaging (e.g., lutetium-based scintillators for PET scans)
- Catalysts in petroleum refining
- High-refractive-index glass (e.g., for optical lenses)
- Nuclear technology (e.g., radiation detectors)
- Research (e.g., as a dopant in phosphors)
Packaging options
Standard Format:
Lutetium ingots or powder, typically 1–5 kg per ingot
Packaging:
Packed in vacuum-sealed or argon-filled containers
Custom Sizes Available:
Can be processed into specific forms (e.g., powder, foil)
Market outlook
Lutetium’s demand is driven by medical imaging and research applications. Lutetium oxide prices are around $500–$700 per kg as of early 2025, with China dominating supply. The market is expected to grow with advancements in nuclear medicine, though its niche use limits overall demand.
Purchase & Compliance
Certificate of analysis included. Third-party testing offered. KYC may apply for bulk orders.
If you’d like more details on any of these materials, such as specific applications, market trends, or technical specifications, send us a message!
