Lanthanides Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Lanthanides

highlighted elements periodic table belonging to the lanthanide element group.
The highlighted elements of this periodic table belong to the lanthanide element group. Todd Helmenstine/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated March 08, 2017

Lanthanides Definition: ​

Elements with atomic numbers 58-71 (although there is some dispute over exactly where the lanthanides begin and end!). The lanthanide series is the group of elements in which the 4f sublevel is being filled. See the section on lanthanides for further information.

Also Known As: ​

Rare earth metals, rare earth elements, common earth elements.

Lanthanide Examples: ​

Europium, atomic number 63