Cerium is a chemical element with the symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides. Cerium is the most abundant of the rare earth elements and is primarily found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. It is used in various applications, including catalysts in automotive exhaust systems and in the production of glass and ceramics. In addition to its industrial uses, cerium has unique properties that make it valuable in scientific research. It can easily oxidize, forming a variety of compounds, and is often used in the production of phosphors for LED lights and screens. Cerium's ability to absorb ultraviolet light also makes it useful in sunscreen formulations.