STRONTIUM

What Is Strontium And Where Do I Use It?

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• Strontium (element symbol Sr – number 38 on the periodic table) is a soft silver-white yellowish metal that is highly chemically reactive.
   

• Strontium occurs naturally and is the 15th most abundant metal on earth.
   

• The metal is primarily mined from the minerals celestine and strontianite.
   

• Strontium aluminate is often used in ‘glow-in-the-dark’ paints, as it absorbs light during the day and releases it slowly for hours afterwards.
   

• Natural strontium is stable but the synthetic strontium-90 is radioactive and is one of the most dangerous components of nuclear fallout. Natural strontium is not hazardous to health.
   

• Strontium-90 is one of the best high-energy-beta-emitters known and can be used to generate electricity for space vehicles or remote water stations.
   

• The metal can also be used to remove static charges from machinery handling paper of plastic.

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Where is Strontium Produced?

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• China, Mexico and Spain are the biggest producers of strontium.

 

How much does it cost?

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• According to data from 2019, strontium is estimated to cost approximately $6.60 per kg.

 

Specific Issues for Strontium

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• Strontium burns in air. It forms a dark oxide layer when exposed to air.
   

• In its reactivity with water, strontium produces strontium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

 

Applications