Cerium-containing lubricating compositions

A process for upgrading technical low grade cerium/fluorine-containing residues having concentrations of silicon and iron above about 1.0 weight percent produces compositions wherein the combined silicon and iron content is less than about 1.0 weight percent. Typically, the cerium content is raised to above about 50 weight percent and sufficient fluorine is present for the fluorine-to-cerium molar ratio to be 3.0 or above. Lubricating compositions comprising a major part of a lubricant and a minor amount of said upgraded cerium/fluorine-containing residue are useful as anti-wear lubricants.