| Category |
Details |
| Chemical Formula |
La₂O₃ |
| Appearance |
White powder |
| Properties |
- High dielectric constant
- Melting Point: ~2300°C
- Strong basic oxide; reacts with moisture & CO₂
- High refractive index modifier
|
| Applications |
- Optical lenses (camera, telescope)
- Catalysts in petroleum refining
- Ceramic capacitors and dielectric materials
- NiMH battery electrode additives
- Glass polishing and UV filters
|
| Production |
- Separated from light rare-earth concentrates (bastnäsite/monazite)
- Solvent extraction and precipitation followed by calcination
|
| Market Value |
- Widely used; stable demand across optics and catalysts industries
- Less volatile than heavy rare-earths but strategically important
|