A
well known alloy is mischmetall which consists of a lanthanoid metal
(~ 95%) and iron (~ 5%) and traces of S, C, Ca and Al A good deal of
mischmetall is used in Mg-based alloy to produce bullets, shell and
lighter flint Mixed oxides of lanthanoids are employed as catalysts in
petroleum cracking Some individual Ln oxides are used as phosphors
in television screens and similar fluorescing surfaces