Atomic / phase data
Reference atomic and phase values are source-reviewed.
Material structure
The ordinary elemental structure is measured/reviewed; the viewer is a teaching representation.
Element vs material uses
Uses distinguish elemental metal from compounds, alloys, doped hosts or isotope-specific systems.
Geography
Discovery/supply context is selective and does not fabricate deposits, facilities or inventories.
The lens describes evidence status, not confidence theatre. “Unknown” is kept unknown, and teaching schematics are not presented as direct measurements.
Praseodymium (Pr)
Praseodymium is element 59, a lanthanide whose 4f³ configuration and Pr³⁺/Pr⁴⁺ chemistry connect the periodic table to permanent magnets, specialty alloys, colored glass and optical filters.
Praseodymium atomic number, mass, electron configuration and key properties
Praseodymium: quick answers
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does praseodymium have?
Praseodymium’s atomic number is 59, so every praseodymium atom has 59 protons, and a neutral atom also has 59 electrons. Its most common natural isotope, praseodymium-141, has 82 neutrons (other isotopes have different neutron counts).
What is the symbol for praseodymium?
The chemical symbol for praseodymium is Pr.
Is praseodymium a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature?
Praseodymium is a solid at room temperature (about 25 °C).
What family (group) is praseodymium in?
Praseodymium is a lanthanide, in period 6 (the f-block row shown below the main table) of the periodic table.
What is the electron configuration of praseodymium?
The ground-state electron configuration of praseodymium is [Xe] 4f³ 6s².
From atomic number to chemistry
Read these as a chain of causes, not as isolated facts. Each step links to the concept hub if you want the underlying idea explained.
59 protons define praseodymium.
The ground-state configuration frames atomic and chemical behavior.
Periodic position organizes recurring chemistry and trends.
The teaching nucleus is one isotope, not the relative atomic mass.
Phase claims preserve source-reviewed evidence and material context.
Praseodymium in its period and family
Praseodymium is an early Period 6 lanthanide between cerium and neodymium. Its 4f³6s² atom most commonly forms Pr³⁺, while Pr⁴⁺ is also important in selected oxides.
Praseodymium Visual Lab
Explore Pr across the teaching nucleus, isolated-atom orbitals, evidence-aware material structure and temperature/evidence views, then connect those models to uses, isotopes, search-led questions and source-backed context.
Every mark points to one exact feature
The numbered markers explain the same information system used throughout Element Lookup. Unknown or predicted fields remain visibly labelled rather than being replaced with guesses.
Praseodymium in one minute
Atomic number 59 means every praseodymium nucleus has 59 protons.
Neutral Praseodymium has the ground-state configuration [Xe] 4f³ 6s².
The representative teaching isotope is ¹⁴¹Pr.
Praseodymium metal is not the same material as praseodymium oxide, Pr-containing glass or a rare-earth magnet.
The ordinary material reference is Double hexagonal close-packed (DHCP) reference.
Shell rings organize electron counts. They are not electron trajectories or orbital shapes.
2 · 8 · 18 · 21 · 8 · 2 electrons
The displayed 4f_xyz orbital is one representative real f cubic harmonic. It is not a picture of the whole 4f subshell or the electronic bands in the bulk material.
Ordinary praseodymium is represented with a DHCP teaching cell. Temperature-dependent solid allotropy exists; the phase track keeps the model conservative rather than extending one structure beyond its evidence.. The viewer is evidence-aware: measured structures are identified as such; unknown bulk structures stay unknown.
Teaching visualization; not a literal finite sample or thermal trajectory.What this model does—and does not—show
The displayed 4f_xyz orbital is one representative real f cubic harmonic. It is not a picture of the whole 4f subshell or the electronic bands in the bulk material.
Where do I meet praseodymium?
Clickable learning cards connect the element to materials, environment, technology, biology or research - depending on what the evidence actually supports.
Permanent magnets
Pr can partly substitute or accompany Nd in high-performance rare-earth magnet materials.
4f³ → Pr³⁺/Pr⁴⁺ → color and magnet materials
Praseodymium’s useful optical and magnetic roles usually arise from Pr ions inside compounds, alloys or host lattices rather than from elemental metal alone.
4f³6s²
Early-lanthanide open 4f shell.
Praseodymium in periodic context
Compare nearby or family-related elements without treating a trend as a substitute for element-specific evidence.
| Atomic number | 58 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
| Atomic number | 59 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
| Atomic number | 60 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
Praseodymium properties: atomic, physical, thermal and chemical
Categories follow the science of this element rather than a fixed decorative template. Each row carries condition/provenance context and an evidence label; unknown values stay unknown.
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 59 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Relative atomic mass | 140.908 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ground-state electron configuration | [Xe] 4f³ 6s² | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Group / period / block | Group Lanthanide · Period 6 · f-block | Periodic-table placement | Evaluated |
| Electronegativity | 1.13 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Reference isotope | ¹⁴¹Pr | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| State context | Soft silvery lanthanide metal | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Density | 6.77 g/cm³ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Material / molecular structure | Double hexagonal close-packed (DHCP) reference | Ordinary praseodymium is represented with a DHCP teaching cell. Temperature-dependent solid allotropy exists; the phase track keeps the model conservative rather than extending one structure beyond its evidence. | Measured |
| Classification | Lanthanide | Periodic-table / chemistry classification | Evaluated |
| Structure-model scope | Ordinary praseodymium is represented with a DHCP teaching cell. Temperature-dependent solid allotropy exists; the phase track keeps the model conservative rather than extending one structure beyond its evidence. | Teaching visualization; exact crystallographic coordinates are not implied unless stated. | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting / transition reference | 1204 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Boiling / gas reference | 3793 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Phase-path context | At approximately standard pressure, praseodymium is treated as a solid below 1204 K, liquid between melting and approximately 3793 K, and gas above the boiling reference. The ordinary crystal label applies to the stated material reference; unmodeled solid allotropy is not fabricated. | Shared phase registry drives the slider, regions and markers. | Evaluated |
| Condition warning | Temperature and pressure define phase behavior; purity/allotropy may matter. | Teaching condition statement | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common oxidation states | +3, +4 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ion / common ion context | Pr³⁺ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Periodic chemistry context | Praseodymium is an early Period 6 lanthanide between cerium and neodymium. Its 4f³6s² atom most commonly forms Pr³⁺, while Pr⁴⁺ is also important in selected oxides. | Element-specific interpretation | Reviewed |
| Chemistry caution | Elemental form, ions and compounds are distinct chemical objects. | Interpretive teaching rule | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¹⁴¹Pr | Natural isotope | Essentially all natural praseodymium is ¹⁴¹Pr. | Evaluated |
| Radioisotopes | Artificial isotopes | Used mainly in research contexts. | Evaluated |
| Natural praseodymium | Single-isotope natural element | Relative atomic mass is therefore close to the ¹⁴¹Pr isotopic mass. | Evaluated |
| Teaching nucleus | ¹⁴¹Pr · 59 protons + 82 neutrons | Reference isotope used in the nucleus model | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page evidence note | Atomic identity and reference values are source-reviewed. Material viewers are teaching representations, not crystallographic refinements. Search demand shapes headings and FAQs but never overrides measured/evaluated evidence or element-versus-compound distinctions. | Evidence summary for this guide | Reviewed |
| Structure evidence | Ordinary praseodymium is represented with a DHCP teaching cell. Temperature-dependent solid allotropy exists; the phase track keeps the model conservative rather than extending one structure beyond its evidence. | Measured structure, labelled schematic, prediction or explicit unknown as applicable. | Reviewed |
| Map evidence rule | Real pins are reviewed examples; conceptual layers are used when pins would mislead. | Geography Explorer 2.0 | Reviewed |
| Source set | 3 primary/reference links listed below | Open the Sources section for the actual references. | Reviewed |
Is Praseodymium a solid, liquid or gas? State at temperature
At approximately standard pressure, praseodymium is treated as a solid below 1204 K, liquid between melting and approximately 3793 K, and gas above the boiling reference. The ordinary crystal label applies to the stated material reference; unmodeled solid allotropy is not fabricated.
Where on Earth is Praseodymium found or produced?
Who discovered Praseodymium, and when?
Carl Auer von Welsbach separated “didymium” into praseodymium and neodymium.
Spectroscopy and improved rare-earth separations established praseodymium as a distinct element.
Pr compounds became useful in glass, ceramics, alloys and optical materials.
Pr is important in selected magnet and advanced-material supply chains.
From source material to Praseodymium applications: high-level material path
Praseodymium is obtained from mineral or metallurgical feedstocks in which it is chemically associated with other elements rather than mined as abundant native metal.
Industrial separation and refining produce element-specific compounds or metal feedstock; this guide does not provide operational extraction recipes.
The refined material is converted into the particular alloy, compound, doped host or component required by the application.
Recycling and recovery depend on the host product, concentration and economics; application materials must not be confused with pure element.
What is praseodymium used for?
Magnets
Pr is used with Nd and other elements in some high-performance permanent-magnet compositions.
Alloys
Pr-containing alloys can support specialized high-temperature and lightweight applications.
Optical glass
Pr ions provide characteristic absorption/color in glasses and filters.
Ceramics & pigments
Pr compounds provide durable colors in selected ceramic and enamel systems.
Praseodymium isotopes and natural abundance
¹⁴¹Pr
Natural isotopeEssentially all natural praseodymium is ¹⁴¹Pr.
Radioisotopes
Artificial isotopesUsed mainly in research contexts.
Natural praseodymium
Single-isotope natural elementRelative atomic mass is therefore close to the ¹⁴¹Pr isotopic mass.
Five-question Praseodymium check
What is Praseodymium’s atomic number?
Which classification best fits Praseodymium?
What is the representative teaching isotope?
Which statement respects the material evidence?
Which rule should guide real-world uses?
Praseodymium questions students commonly ask
Each answer starts with the direct fact, then explains the chemistry, evidence or material context so the result is understandable rather than merely memorized.
What is praseodymium?
Short answer: Praseodymium is chemical element 59, symbol Pr, a soft silvery lanthanide metal.
Atomic number 59 means every praseodymium nucleus contains 59 protons. In the periodic table, Praseodymium is classified here as a lanthanide in Period 6 and Group Lanthanide. Praseodymium is an early Period 6 lanthanide between cerium and neodymium. Its 4f³6s² atom most commonly forms Pr³⁺, while Pr⁴⁺ is also important in selected oxides.
Key point: Pr is element 59; its periodic position and electron structure explain the rest of the page.
What is praseodymium used for?
Short answer: It is used in rare-earth magnets, specialty alloys, colored glass, ceramics and optical filters.
Magnets: Pr is used with Nd and other elements in some high-performance permanent-magnet compositions. Alloys: Pr-containing alloys can support specialized high-temperature and lightweight applications. Praseodymium metal is not the same material as praseodymium oxide, Pr-containing glass or a rare-earth magnet. The green/yellow colors associated with Pr usually come from ions in compounds or host materials, not from the silvery metal itself.
Key point: Always distinguish the pure element from the compound, alloy, isotope or device material that actually performs the application.
Where is praseodymium found?
Short answer: It occurs mixed with other lanthanides in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is separated during rare-earth processing.
Praseodymium is obtained from mineral or metallurgical feedstocks in which it is chemically associated with other elements rather than mined as abundant native metal. Praseodymium metal is not the same material as praseodymium oxide, Pr-containing glass or a rare-earth magnet. The green/yellow colors associated with Pr usually come from ions in compounds or host materials, not from the silvery metal itself.
Key point: Natural occurrence, resources, production and recycling are different geography questions.
Who discovered praseodymium?
Short answer: Carl Auer von Welsbach separated praseodymium from didymium in 1885.
In 1885, Carl Auer von Welsbach separated “didymium” into praseodymium and neodymium. In the late 19th century, Spectroscopy and improved rare-earth separations established praseodymium as a distinct element.
Key point: Discovery credit follows the historical evidence and accepted attribution, not just the earliest claim.
Is praseodymium a metal?
Short answer: Yes. It is a lanthanide metal, not a nonmetal or metalloid.
This guide classifies Praseodymium as a lanthanide. Its periodic position is Period 6, f-block, Group Lanthanide. Praseodymium is an early Period 6 lanthanide between cerium and neodymium. Its 4f³6s² atom most commonly forms Pr³⁺, while Pr⁴⁺ is also important in selected oxides.
Key point: Periodic-table classification describes recurring atomic/chemical behavior; it does not make every element in a column physically identical.
How did praseodymium get its name?
Short answer: The name comes from Greek words associated with “green” and “twin,” reflecting the green salts and its origin from didymium.
Praseodymium metal is not the same material as praseodymium oxide, Pr-containing glass or a rare-earth magnet. The green/yellow colors associated with Pr usually come from ions in compounds or host materials, not from the silvery metal itself. Praseodymium is obtained from mineral or metallurgical feedstocks in which it is chemically associated with other elements rather than mined as abundant native metal.
Key point: Element names record scientific history; the name itself does not determine the element’s chemistry.
How many electrons does praseodymium have?
Short answer: A neutral atom has 59 electrons; its ground-state configuration is [Xe] 4f³ 6s².
A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons, so neutral Praseodymium has 59 electrons. Its ground-state reference configuration is [Xe] 4f³ 6s²; ions have different electron counts because electrons have been removed or added.
Key point: Electron count changes in ions; proton count does not.
What color is praseodymium?
Short answer: The elemental metal is silvery; many Pr compounds/ions have distinctive green or yellow-green colors.
The ordinary elemental-material description used here is: Soft silvery lanthanide metal. Praseodymium metal is not the same material as praseodymium oxide, Pr-containing glass or a rare-earth magnet. The green/yellow colors associated with Pr usually come from ions in compounds or host materials, not from the silvery metal itself.
Key point: Elemental appearance can differ from the colors of its ions, compounds, oxide films or host materials.
Scientific sources for Praseodymium
- Royal Society of Chemistry - Praseodymium
- NIST - Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions
- IUPAC - Periodic Table of Elements
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