Strontium is an essential and abundant element found throughout the world. It is a chemical element in the periodic table with the atomic symbol Sr and atomic number 38.
Though it is not essential for human health, strontium is important for the development of living organisms. Strontium is used in a variety of industries and can be found in nature, synthetically produced, and even in isotopes.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the different types of strontium, the properties of strontium, the processing, production, and health effects of strontium, and the various applications of strontium.
Introduction
Strontium is a silvery-white metal that is very soft and malleable. It has an atomic mass of 88 and a density of 2.64 grams per cubic centimeter. Strontium is often found in nature as a component of different minerals and can be extracted from these.
It is also synthetically produced in a laboratory. Furthermore, there are a variety of strontium isotopes that can be produced, such as strontium-90, which is used in nuclear reactors.
The most common use of strontium is in the production of glass, electronics, and ceramics. It can also be used to make alloys and to strengthen metals. In addition to these industrial applications, strontium is used in medicine for its therapeutic benefits. It is commonly used to treat cancer and bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Strontium is also used in commercial products such as toothpaste, antacids, and fertilizers.
Though strontium has a variety of uses, it is important to understand the properties, processing, and production of strontium, as well as the potential health effects. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of strontium, their physical and chemical properties, its processing and production, and the various applications of strontium.
We will also discuss the potential safety concerns and health effects associated with strontium. By the end of this guide, readers will have a better understanding of strontium and be able to make informed decisions about its use.
Types of Strontium
Strontium is an alkaline earth metal that can be found in nature in various forms. It’s most commonly found in its mineral form, called strontianite, but it can also exist in an organic form or in compounds like strontium carbonate.
Some of the most common types of strontium include natural strontium, synthetic strontium, and its isotopes.
Natural Strontium
Natural strontium is the most commonly found form of the element and can be found in many minerals, such as strontianite, celestite, and strontium sulfate. It is also the form of strontium that is most often used in industrial applications.
It can be mined from the Earth or extracted from seawater or brines. Strontium can also be found in some plant and animal tissues in the form of strontium carbonate.
Synthetic Strontium
Synthetic strontium is a form of strontium that is artificially created in a laboratory. It is often used as a component of high-performance alloys, as well as in some medical devices and treatments. Synthetic strontium can also be used in nuclear reactors as a moderator or in nuclear weapons as a shield.
Isotopes of Strontium
Strontium has four naturally occurring isotopes—strontium-84, strontium-86, strontium-87, and strontium-88. These isotopes are all stable and non-radioactive, and they vary in their abundance in nature. Strontium-84 is the most abundant, accounting for about 82 percent of all naturally occurring strontium, followed by strontium-86 and strontium-88, which make up the remaining 18 percent. Strontium-87 is the least abundant and accounts for only 0.56 percent.
All of these isotopes have different properties, and they can be used for different purposes. For example, strontium-90 is used in medical treatments, and strontium-89 is used to treat bone metastases caused by prostate cancer. Strontium-90 is also used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, and some isotopes are used in dating techniques to determine the age of rocks.
The different isotopes of strontium can also be used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of glass, ceramics, and metals. Strontium also has many applications in the electronics industry, where it can be used to control the electrical properties of materials.
In conclusion, strontium is an alkaline earth metal that can exist in many forms, including natural, synthetic, and its isotopes. Natural strontium is the most common form and can be mined from the Earth or extracted from seawater or brines.
Synthetic strontium is artificially created in a laboratory and is used in high-performance alloys and medical treatments. There are also four naturally occurring isotopes of strontium, which all have different properties and applications.
Properties of Strontium
Strontium is an element with a wide range of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It has been used in industry for centuries, and scientists have learned a great deal about the properties of this element over the course of time.
This section will provide an overview of the physical, chemical, and reactivity properties of strontium, so that readers can get a better idea of what makes it such an important element.
Physical Properties of Strontium:
Strontium is a soft, silvery-white metal that has a relatively low melting point. It also has a relatively low density compared to other metals. Its atomic weight is 87.62 and it has an atomic number of 38.
Strontium is found in group 2 of the periodic table and it has an oxidation state of +2. Its symbol is Sr.
Chemical Properties of Strontium:
Strontium has a number of interesting chemical properties. It is a highly reactive element and can form a variety of compounds with other elements. Strontium is also a good conductor of electricity and heat.
It has low solubility in water, although it is slightly soluble in acids and alkalies.
Reactivity of Strontium:
Strontium is a very reactive metal and can react with both acids and bases. It is also able to form a variety of compounds with other elements. Strontium is also highly reactive when heated and can react explosively with chlorine and nitrogen.
The reactivity of strontium makes it useful in a number of industrial processes. It is used in pyrotechnics, fuel cells, and the production of special alloys. Strontium compounds are also used in the production of paints and ceramics.
Overall, strontium has a number of unique properties that make it a valuable element in a variety of industries. Its reactivity, low melting point, and low density make it a useful element in a wide range of applications.
Processing and Production
Strontium is a naturally occurring element that is found in the Earth’s crust. In order to extract, process, and produce products utilizing strontium, several steps must be taken.
This section will look at the detail of each step in the processing and production of strontium.
The process of extracting strontium begins with obtaining the necessary ore. The ore typically contains small amounts of strontium, so it needs to be concentrated. The common method for concentrating strontium is through froth flotation, which uses bubbles to separate the ore from the rock.
Once the ore has been extracted, it needs to be further processed. One of the main methods used to process strontium is through electrolysis. This involves passing an electric current through a solution of strontium salts, which separates the strontium from other elements. The resulting product is a strontium metal.
After the strontium has been processed, it needs to be produced into products. Depending on the purpose of the product, strontium can be further processed through a variety of methods. Strontium can be melted and cast into a variety of shapes and sizes. Strontium can also be combined with other metals to create alloys.
Strontium can also be used to create a variety of compounds. Strontium carbonate, strontium nitrate, and strontium sulfate are all common compounds of strontium. These compounds can be used in a variety of applications, such as in the production of ceramics, glass, and even pharmaceuticals.
Finally, strontium can be combined with other elements to create specialty products. Strontium can be combined with other metals to create magnets, or it can be combined with oxygen to create strontium oxide, which is used in a variety of colored glass products.
All of these methods are used to process and produce products using strontium. It is important to note that the safety of the products created from strontium depends on the application and how the element is used.
Health Effects of Strontium
The potential health effects of strontium have been studied for many years by scientists and medical professionals. This element is a relatively common constituent of the human body, and it has been found to be necessary for good health in certain circumstances.
Strontium is found in the bones and teeth of humans, where it is responsible for a number of metabolic processes that keep them strong and healthy. Strontium is also found in the soil, where it can be absorbed by plants and then enter the human body through food.
Strontium is an essential element for maintaining bone health. Research has shown that it can help increase bone density, which is important for avoiding osteoporosis. Strontium has also been found to help reduce pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Additionally, strontium can help reduce the risk of developing fractures, which is especially important for elderly individuals.
The safe levels of strontium exposure have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA states that the average adult should not consume more than 0.7 milligrams of strontium per day. This level is considered to be safe for most adults, but it is still important to limit exposure to any other potential sources of the element.
Despite the generally accepted safe level of strontium exposure, there are still some potential health risks that can occur with higher levels of exposure. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to strontium can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Additionally, high levels of strontium can interfere with the absorption of calcium, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
When it comes to strontium-related safety concerns, it is important to avoid consuming large amounts of strontium from dietary sources. Strontium can be found in some foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fish, and dairy products. It is also important to avoid drinking water that has been contaminated with strontium, as this can also cause health issues.
Finally, it is important to consider any potential interactions that strontium may have with other medications and supplements. Strontium can interact with certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and can also reduce the effectiveness of some vitamins and minerals.
As such, it is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplements.
Applications of Strontium
Strontium is a versatile chemical element with a variety of uses in industry, medicine, and commerce. Industrial applications of strontium include its use in nuclear reactors, as a component of glass, and in some fluorescent lights. In medicine, strontium can be used in the treatment of some types of cancer and to reduce pain associated with certain bone diseases. Commercially, strontium is used in a number of consumer products, including toothpaste and fireworks.
Industrial Uses of Strontium:
Strontium is an important element in the nuclear industry, where it is used as a component of nuclear reactor fuel. Strontium also helps to absorb neutrons released during the fission process, making it an important component in nuclear reactor design and operation.
Strontium is also used in the glass industry, where it helps to strengthen and improve the clarity of glass. Strontium is also used in some types of fluorescent lighting, where it helps to produce a more intense and even light.
Medical Uses of Strontium:
Strontium is also used in the medical field. It is used to treat certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Strontium is also used to reduce pain associated with certain bone diseases.
Strontium has also been used in the treatment of osteoporosis, where it helps to increase bone mineral density.
Commercial Uses of Strontium:
Strontium is also used in a variety of consumer products. It is used in toothpaste, where it helps to reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the whitening effect of toothpaste. Strontium is also used in fireworks, where it helps to create intense and long-lasting colors in the night sky. Strontium has also been used in the manufacture of some types of paint pigments, providing vibrant colors.
Strontium is a versatile and versatile element that has a variety of uses in industry, medicine, and commerce. It is a key component in nuclear reactors, glass, and fluorescent lights and is also used to treat certain types of cancer and bone diseases.
It is also used in a variety of consumer products, including toothpaste and fireworks, as well as in the manufacture of some types of paint pigments. With its wide range of uses and applications, strontium is an important element in many industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, strontium is a natural element that has a wide range of uses, both industrial and commercial. It has a number of different physical and chemical properties, as well as interesting reactivity in certain circumstances. Strontium can be extracted, processed, and produced into a variety of products with varying levels of concentration and safety.
Strontium has both positive and negative health effects, and its exposure should be limited to safe levels as recommended by experts in the field.
The industrial uses of strontium include its use in the production of color television or computer monitors, providing a reliable source of red phosphors. It can also be used in nuclear reactors to control the rate of fission, making it an essential component of the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.
Medical uses of strontium include its use in bone density scans and as an additive to medical bone implants to improve their strength and durability. Its commercial uses include its use in fireworks and paints, as well as its use as a dietary supplement.
Strontium is an important element and is used in a variety of applications, from industrial to medical and commercial. It is important to be mindful of its potential health risks and to limit its exposure as much as possible.
By understanding the various properties, uses, and potential health effects of strontium, individuals can make informed decisions about its usage and take the necessary precautions to remain safe.
This comprehensive guide has outlined the overview, benefits, and common uses of strontium, as well as the different types of strontium, their properties, and how they are processed and produced. It has also highlighted the potential health effects of strontium, as well as the various industrial, medical, and commercial uses of strontium.
Overall, strontium is a useful and important element with both positive and negative uses. It is important to use it responsibly and be mindful of its potential health risks. Further research into the effects of strontium on the environment, its long-term health effects, and possible alternative uses of the element can help inform decisions about its use and its proper management.
Facts
Strontium symbol is Sr
Its atomic number is 38
Strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element
It occurs naturally mainly in the minerals celestine and strontianite
Both strontium and strontianite are named after Strontian, a village in Scotland
The mineral was discovered in 1790 by Adair Crawford and William Cruickshank
Strontium was first isolated as a metal in 1808 by Humphry Davy
Natural strontium is a mixture of four stable isotopes: 84Sr, 86Sr, 87Sr, and 88Sr
88Sr makes up about 82.6% of all natural strontium
strontium-90 is radioactive and is one of the most dangerous components of nuclear fallout
Strontium is the 15th most abundant element on Earth
The three major producers of strontium as celestine as of 2015 are China, Spain, and Mexico
Strontianite is now known as strontium carbonite.
Strontium aluminate is frequently used in glow in the dark toys
Strontium carbonate and other strontium salts are added to fireworks to give a deep red colour
Strontium chloride is sometimes used in toothpastes for sensitive teeth.
There are sixteen known unstable isotopes of strontium.
It was used then to produce sugar from the sugar beet plant.
Around 300,000 tons of strontium are produced globally each year.
The drug strontium ranelate aids bone growth and increases bone density
The human body absorbs strontium as if it was calcium
Information
| Strontium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Pronunciation |
(STRON-tee-əm |
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| Appearance | silvery white metallic; with a pale yellow tint | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Standard atomic weight Ar°(Sr) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Strontium in the periodic table | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Atomic number (Z) | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Group | group 2 (alkaline earth metals) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Period | period 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Block | s-block | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 5s2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 8, 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Physical properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phase at STP | solid | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Melting point | 1050 K (777 °C, 1431 °F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boiling point | 1650 K (1377 °C, 2511 °F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Density (near r.t.) | 2.64 g/cm3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| when liquid (at m.p.) | 2.375 g/cm3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heat of fusion | 7.43 kJ/mol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heat of vaporization | 141 kJ/mol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Molar heat capacity | 26.4 J/(mol·K) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Atomic properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oxidation states | +1, +2 (a strongly basic oxide) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electronegativity | Pauling scale: 0.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ionization energies |
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| Atomic radius | empirical: 215 pm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Covalent radius | 195±10 pm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van der Waals radius | 249 pm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural occurrence | primordial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crystal structure | face-centered cubic (fcc) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal expansion | 22.5 µm/(m⋅K) (at 25 °C) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal conductivity | 35.4 W/(m⋅K) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrical resistivity | 132 nΩ⋅m (at 20 °C) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Magnetic ordering | paramagnetic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Molar magnetic susceptibility | −92.0×10−6 cm3/mol (298 K) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Young’s modulus | 15.7 GPa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shear modulus | 6.03 GPa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Poisson ratio | 0.28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mohs hardness | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAS Number | 7440-24-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Naming | after the mineral strontianite | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discovery | William Cruickshank (1787) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First isolation | Humphry Davy (1808) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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