This list includes 6 Chemical Elements that start with L, from “Lanthanum” to “Lutetium”. They include reactive metals and rare-earths used in lighting, alloys, catalysts, magnets, and medical imaging.
Browse the full A–Z index to find elements for other letters.
Chemical elements that start with L are members of several groups on the periodic table, including transition metals and lanthanides. Lanthanum, the namesake of the lanthanide series, was first isolated in 1839.
Below you’ll find the table with Element, Symbol, Atomic number, Atomic weight, and Discovery year.
Element: The full element name helps you identify and match the entry with common or scientific labels.
Symbol: The chemical symbol gives you the standard one- or two-letter shorthand used in formulas and tables.
Atomic number: You can use this whole number to see element order and compare chemical families quickly.
Atomic weight: The standard atomic weight (three decimals) shows relative mass for comparison and stoichiometry reference.
Discovery year: This shows when the element was discovered or identified, letting you track historical development.
Chemical Elements that start with L
| Name | Symbol | Atomic number | Atomic weight (u) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanthanum | La | 57 | 138.91 | Discovered 1839, naturally occurring rare-earth metal, soft silvery-white, used in catalysts and camera lenses. |
| Lawrencium | Lr | 103 | 262.00 | Discovered 1961, synthetic radioactive heavy metal, named for Ernest Lawrence; studied in nuclear chemistry, no commercial uses. |
| Lead | Pb | 82 | 207.20 | Antiquity, naturally occurring heavy metal, very dense and malleable; widely used historically, toxic and a public-health hazard. |
| Lithium | Li | 3 | 6.94 | Discovered 1817, naturally occurring alkali metal, the lightest metal, soft and highly reactive; key use in batteries and certain medicines. |
| Livermorium | Lv | 116 | 293.00 | Discovered 2000, synthetic and highly radioactive, named for Lawrence Livermore Lab; extremely short-lived with no practical applications beyond research. |
| Lutetium | Lu | 71 | 174.97 | Discovered 1907, naturally occurring rare-earth metal, dense and silvery, used in specialized catalysts, optics, and some medical applications. |