A key application is mixed metal, an alloy that contains many other rare earth elements in addition to cerium. Mixed metal is used as an additive, particularly in steel production. It is also used for flints in lighters. Other important areas of application for cerium are automotive catalytic converters for exhaust gas purification and catalytic converters for the chemical industry. The rare earth element is also used as a polishing agent in glass production, for colouring and decolouring enamel and glass and in UV-protective glass.
