Cerium is a lustrous, silvery-white metal, that is highly reactive and can ignite when exposed to air. This critical mineral exhibits excellent chemical stability, making it an important component in catalytic converters used in automotive exhaust systems. Its ability to facilitate chemical reactions at high temperatures helps reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality.

Cerium is also used in iron, magnesium and aluminium alloys, magnets, certain types of electrodes, carbon-arc lighting and in the production of glass, including lenses for cameras and optical instruments. Additionally, cerium-based compounds are applied in the production of phosphors for fluorescent lamps, and as a polishing agent for glass and metals.