Strontium has the chemical symbol Sr and an atomic number of 38.

It belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table.

Its atomic mass is approximately 87.62 u.

Strontium is a soft, silvery metal that is highly reactive.

It oxidizes rapidly in air, forming a yellowish layer of strontium oxide.

It is chemically similar to calcium and often substitutes for it in minerals and biological systems.

Strontium was discovered in 1790 by the Scottish chemist Adair Crawford.

Its name comes from Strontian, a village in Scotland where its ore was first identified.

It was initially mistaken for barium because of their similar chemical behavior.

The element was first isolated in 1808 by Humphry Davy through electrolysis.

Strontium does not occur freely in nature and is found only in mineral form.

The primary mineral sources are celestite (SrSO₄) and strontianite (SrCO₃).

Strontium makes up about 0.034 percent of the Earth’s crust.

It is also present in seawater at low concentrations.

Strontium isotopes are used in geological dating because some possess radioactive properties.

The most stable and abundant isotope is 87Sr. Strontium 90 is radioactive and produced during nuclear fission. Strontium 90 is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Strontium 89 is used in medical treatments to relieve bone cancer pain.

Strontium reacts with water to produce strontium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

It reacts with halogens to form strontium halides such as SrCl₂.

Strontium burns with a vivid red flame, making it valuable in pyrotechnics.

Its compounds are generally white or colorless solids except when used in flame applications.

Strontium can replace calcium in bone mineral structures, although only in small amounts.

Strontium salts are used to produce red colors in fireworks.

Strontium is used in flares and emergency signal lights.

Strontium carbonate is used in ceramics and glass, including older television screens.

It is also used to remove calcium during sugar beet processing.

Strontium compounds are used in the production of permanent magnets.

Strontium titanate is used as a diamond simulant.

Radioactive strontium 90 can serve as a power source in spacecraft thermoelectric generators.

Strontium aluminate is used in glow in the dark materials.

Strontium chromate is used as a corrosion inhibitor in protective coatings.

The red flame of strontium compounds is used as a laboratory test for the element.

Strontium 90 contamination increased sharply after nuclear weapons testing during the 1950s and 1960s.

Strontium is one of the heavier alkaline earth metals.

Some regions have naturally elevated strontium levels in drinking water, which can influence bone development.

Strontium has a melting point of 777°C and a boiling point of 1382°C.

It is diamagnetic, meaning it slightly repels magnetic fields.

Strontium nitrate is used in certain solid rocket propellants.

In fireworks, strontium carbonate is often combined with charcoal and sulfur.

Strontium isotopes are used in archaeology to trace human and animal migration.

In small quantities, strontium is believed to help strengthen bone tissue.