Strontium (Sr)
Strontium (Sr)
Named after a town in Scotland and isolated in 1808, strontium was recognized in 1790.
Strontium is softer than water and decomposes in it vigorously like calcium. The metal may ignite spontaneously in air, exposure to which rapidly changes the silvery appearance of its fresh surface to a yellowish hue. Strontium can be kept under kerosene to prevent oxidation.
A mixture of four stable isotopes forms natural strontium and sixteen unstable isotopes are also known to exist. Volatile strontium salts, which impart a crimson color to flame, are used in pyrotechnics and flares.
Found mostly in celestite and strontianite minerals, strontium can be used in medical imaging, ferrite magnet making, and zinc refining.