Strontium is used in fireworks (crimson color).
Standard State: solid at 298 K
Color: silvery white
Isolated by Davy by electrolysis in 1808; however, Adair Crawford in 1790 recognized a
new mineral (strontianite) as differing from other barium minerals (baryta).
Strontium is found chiefly as celestite and strontianite. The
metal can be prepared by electrolysis of the fused chloride mixed with potassium chloride,
or is made by reducing strontium oxide with aluminum in a vacuum at a temperature at which
strontium distills off. It does not absorb nitrogen below 380°C. It should be kept under kerosene to
prevent oxidation. The finely divided metal ignites spontaneously in air.
Natural strontium is a mixture of four stable isotopes. Sixteen other unstable
isotopes are now to exist. Of the greatest importance, the
principle Sr element has a half
life of 29 years. It is a product of nuclear fallout and presents a health problem.
It has also found use in producing ferries magnets and in refining zinc.