The name comes from Greek and means “green twin.” Rare-earth elements (lanthanoids) are similar chemically and are often hard to separate from one another. In the 1840s a recently discovered rare-earth oxide called didymia was reduced to form a metal called didymium. Later, in 1885, it was shown that didymium was actually a mixture of two different metals. After the elements were isolated one was called Neodymium (#60), the other Praseodymium.

Praseodymium is found in magnets and in alloys. The compounds are colorful and used in a variety of glasses. Sound familiar? Most of the elements in the lanthanide/lanthanoid series have similar applications. Our high-tech world demands a LOT of magnets (for electric motors especially) so we will be looking for stuff like praseodymium with great urgency. Familiarize yourself with that section of the periodic table (in red below) as you will be hearing more and more about these substances.

The chief ores are monazite minerals which are also the source of Cerium (#58), Samarium (#62) and other rare-earth elements. Monazites are dense and concentrate in alluvial deposits, forming placers. South Africa and Australia are the major mining regions.