It is element number 58 of the periodic table, whose symbol is represented by Ce, being atomic mass 140,116 and its chemical series being lanthanides. Among its most outstanding characteristics, it can be seen that it is a relatively soft and flexible metal, in which fused grayish and whitish tones can be found, although it oxidizes when in contact with air and becomes somewhat red, in addition to being considered the most abundant among all the chemicals classified as " rare earths ", being 0.0046% of the total earth's crust.
Martin Heinrich Klaproth and Jöns Jacob Berzelius were the scientists who discovered the compound, in 1803; the term that it bears by name was taken from “ Ceres ”, a Roman Goddess who, in addition, baptized an asteroid discovered in 1801. Bastnasite and monazite are the main suppliers of Cerium.
It represents a danger to humans, because if it is constantly inhaled, it can cause pulmonary embolisms, as well as acting in a similar way to calcium within the body. In a similar way, it poses a danger to the environment, because almost all the existing oil companies in the world dispose of cerium in certain sectors, so the level of contamination can rise much faster.
Even so, it is used as an ingredient in some common instruments, such as lighters, Mischmetal, as a polishing agent for fibers and optical instruments, in permanent magnets with alloys, it was used as a mesh in gas lamps, and today, is marketed as an ointment that has the power to relieve burns.
