Lanthanum
Overview
Lanthanum is one of the most reactive rare earth elements and the first in the lanthanide series. It's used extensively in high-end optics, including camera lenses and telescope objectives. Lanthanum nickel hydride is used in hydrogen storage applications, while lanthanum compounds are important in nickel-metal hydride batteries found in hybrid vehicles.
Appearance
Silvery-white, malleable
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 5d¹6s²
Density
6.162 g/cm³
Melting Point
920°C
Discovery
Discovery Timeline
Primary Uses
- Camera and telescope lenses
- Hydrogen storage
- Battery electrodes
- Petroleum refining
Application Sectors
Economic Value
Current Price
$20 per kg
Price Trend
Supply Risk
Primary Producers
Investing in Lanthanum
- Lanthanum oxide (99.9%) trades at US $20-25 /kg FOB China (≈ US $0.023 /g) as of May 2025.
- European spot prices reach US $30-35 /kg due to logistics and certification costs.
- Asian Metal's index shows stable pricing with moderate growth in battery and optical applications.
- Small-lot investors face 25-35% premiums above bulk prices.
- Metal prices carry 30-35% premium over oxide due to processing requirements.
How to Get Exposure
| Route | Why It Appeals | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical metal/oxide | Direct exposure to battery and optical markets | Storage requirements, oxidation sensitivity |
| Mining stocks | Operational leverage to hybrid vehicle growth | Limited pure-play options |
| ETFs | Broader rare earth exposure | Limited La-specific focus |
Market Outlook
- Nickel-metal hydride battery demand from hybrid vehicles driving steady growth.
- High-end optical applications in cameras and telescopes providing premium markets.
- Petroleum refining catalysts creating industrial baseline demand.
- Hydrogen storage applications showing long-term potential.
- Supply relatively abundant compared to other rare earths.
- Recycling rates improving, especially from battery applications.
FAQs
Why invest in Lanthanum?
Lanthanum offers exposure to hybrid vehicle batteries, high-end optics, and emerging hydrogen storage technologies at relatively affordable entry prices.
How volatile is the Lanthanum market?
Prices are relatively stable due to diverse applications and more abundant supply compared to other rare earths.
What drives Lanthanum demand?
Hybrid vehicle production, camera lens manufacturing, petroleum refining, and emerging hydrogen storage applications are the primary demand drivers.
Is Lanthanum a good entry point for rare earth investing?
Yes, it offers lower-cost exposure to rare earth markets with diverse applications, making it suitable for investors new to the sector.
Disclaimer: Market data is indicative and updates frequently; nothing here constitutes financial advice.