Lanthanum is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The electronic configuration is [Xe] 5d¹ 6s². In its elemental form lanthanum 's CAS number is 7439-91-0. The lanthanum atom has a radius of 187.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Lanthanum is one of the products manufactured and distributed under the tradename AE Rare Earths. Lanthanum is the first element in the rare earth or lanthanide series. It is the model for all the other trivalent rare earths. After cerium, it is the second most abundant of the rare earths. Lanthanum is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Lanthanum-rich lanthanide compositions have been used extensively for cracking reactions in FCC catalysts, especially to manufacture low-octane fuel for heavy crude oil.

Calcium is a Block S, Group 2, Period 4 element. The electronic configuration is [Ar] 4s². In its elemental form calcium's CAS number is 7440-70-2. The calcium atom has a radius of 197.4.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Calcium is a member of the alkaline earth elements. Its primary commercial application is in its metallic form as a reducing agent in the production of other metals. In iron and steel production it is added to the melt to remove oxygen, sulfur and carbon. The various calcium compounds have wide application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics. It is used in small doses in alloys of copper and beryllium. It is used in dietary supplements and food production because it has been shown to improve bone and dental health. Calcium was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808.