Praseodymium
Overview
Praseodymium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is valued for its magnetic and optical properties. It's commonly used in combination with neodymium to create strong magnets, and its compounds give glass a distinctive green color. The metal is also used in specialized alloys for aircraft engines.
Appearance
Silvery-white, soft metal
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f³6s²
Density
6.77 g/cm³
Melting Point
931°C
Discovery
Discovery Timeline
Primary Uses
- Magnets
- Glass manufacturing
- Ceramic pigments
- Aircraft engines
Application Sectors
Economic Value
Current Price
$95 per kg
Price Trend
Supply Risk
Primary Producers
Investing in Praseodymium
- Praseodymium oxide (99.9%) trades at US $95-110 /kg FOB China (≈ US $0.10 /g) as of May 2025.
- European spot prices reach US $125-140 /kg due to supply chain logistics and certification costs.
- Asian Metal's index shows moderate volatility driven by magnet and glass applications.
- Small-lot investors face 35-45% premiums above bulk prices.
- Metal prices carry 40-45% premium over oxide due to processing complexity and purity requirements.
How to Get Exposure
| Route | Why It Appeals | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical metal/oxide | Direct exposure to magnet and glass markets | Storage requirements, oxidation sensitivity |
| Mining stocks | Operational leverage to magnet demand growth | Limited pure-play options |
| ETFs | Broader rare earth exposure | Limited Pr-specific focus |
Market Outlook
- Permanent magnet applications driving steady demand growth alongside neodymium.
- Glass manufacturing providing stable baseline consumption for specialty applications.
- Ceramic pigment applications creating niche but consistent demand.
- Aircraft engine alloy applications showing specialized industrial growth.
- Supply concentrated in China but less critical than other heavy rare earths.
- Recycling rates improving, especially from magnet applications.
- New mining projects in Australia and Canada including Pr in mixed concentrates.
FAQs
Why invest in Praseodymium?
Praseodymium offers exposure to permanent magnet technology and specialty glass applications, often used alongside neodymium in high-performance magnets.
How volatile is the Praseodymium market?
Moderately volatile, typically following neodymium price trends but with less extreme swings due to more diverse applications.
What drives Praseodymium demand?
Permanent magnet production, specialty glass manufacturing, ceramic pigments, and aircraft engine alloys are the primary demand drivers.
How does Praseodymium compare to Neodymium for investment?
Praseodymium typically trades at lower prices than neodymium but follows similar market dynamics, offering a potentially more affordable entry point to magnet market exposure.
Disclaimer: Market data is indicative and updates frequently; nothing here constitutes financial advice.