what do you mean by mischmetal

Mischmetal is an alloy made primarily of rare-earth elements, typically about 50% cerium, 25% lanthanum, 15-18% neodymium, and some other rare earth metals, along with about 5% iron. The name "mischmetal" comes from the German word "Mischmetall," meaning "mixed metal," reflecting that it is a natural mixture of rare-earth elements rather than a single pure metal. It is widely used in applications such as the sparking agent in lighter flints (ferrocerium) due to its pyrophoric properties, which means it emits sparks when struck. Additionally, mischmetal enhances the strength and creep resistance of magnesium alloys and is used in steelmaking and other industrial processes. In summary, mischmetal is a naturally occurring alloy of rare-earth elements, valued for its spark-producing qualities and metallurgical uses.