Lanthanide
Lanthanides are the 5d group (row) in the periodic table. They are characterized by their many scientific and industrial uses. Lanthanide compounds are also used as catalysts in production synthetic products as well as petroleum. Also, they can be used in lamps, x-ray intensifying screens, lasers, motion picture projectors and magnets. They are mainly silvery-white metals that tarnish when exposed to air, are relatively soft, have high melting and boiling points, generally form ionic compounds and much more.