Sr
87.620Strontium
Stronsiyum
Strontium is an alkaline earth metal with atomic number 38. It is known for bright red fireworks, strontium aluminate glow materials, strontium-90 nuclear fallout concerns and isotope tracing in geology and archaeology.
38
87.62 g/mol
[Kr] 5s²
2 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 2
0.95
2.64 g/cm³
776.9 °C
1381.8 °C
William Cruickshank
Strontium was identified from minerals found near Strontian in Scotland. The metal was isolated by Humphry Davy in 1808 by electrolysis, and the element is named after the village.
Strontium-84
Natural abundance: About 0.56%. Rare stable isotope of strontium.Strontium-86
Natural abundance: About 9.86%. Stable isotope used as a reference in isotope ratio studies.Strontium-87
Natural abundance: About 7.0%. Stable isotope partly produced by rubidium-87 decay.Strontium-88
Natural abundance: About 82.6%. The most abundant stable isotope of strontium.Strontium-90
Natural abundance: Synthetic. Half-life: About 28.9 years. Radioactive fission product and important nuclear fallout isotope.SrCO₃
Strontium CarbonateUsed in red fireworks, ferrite magnets and strontium chemistry.Sr(NO₃)₂
Strontium NitrateOxidizing strontium salt used for red pyrotechnic colors.SrAl₂O₄
Strontium AluminateGlow-in-the-dark phosphor material when doped with rare-earth ions.SrTiO₃
Strontium TitanateHigh-refractive-index material, dielectric and historical diamond simulant.SrSO₄
Strontium SulfateCelestine mineral and source of strontium compounds.- Red fireworks and signal flares from strontium salts
- Strontium aluminate glow-in-the-dark pigments
- Ferrite magnets and specialty ceramics
- Historical CRT glass applications for X-ray absorption
- Strontium isotope ratios in geology, archaeology and migration studies
Strontium has no confirmed essential role in humans. Sr²⁺ behaves somewhat like Ca²⁺ and can enter bones; radioactive strontium-90 is hazardous because it can concentrate in bone tissue.
- Strontium compounds give a bright red flame color.
- Strontium aluminate pigments can glow for hours after light exposure.
- Strontium-90 is dangerous because Sr²⁺ can behave like Ca²⁺ and enter bone.
- Strontium isotope ratios can help trace where people, animals or rocks originated.
- Strontium has atomic number 38 and belongs to group 2, the alkaline earth metals.
- Its electron configuration is [Kr] 5s².
- Strontium commonly forms Sr²⁺ by losing two valence electrons.
- Strontium flame tests are bright red, helping distinguish it from calcium and barium.
What is the atomic number of strontium?
The atomic number of strontium is 38.
What is the electron configuration of strontium?
Strontium has the electron configuration [Kr] 5s².
What color is strontium in a flame test?
Strontium gives a bright red flame color, which is why it is used in red fireworks and flares.
What is strontium used for?
Strontium is used in red fireworks, glow materials, ferrite magnets, specialty ceramics and isotope studies.
Why is strontium-90 dangerous?
Strontium-90 is radioactive and can behave like calcium in the body, allowing it to accumulate in bones.
How are strontium isotopes used in archaeology?
Strontium isotope ratios in teeth and bones can reflect local geology and help reconstruct human or animal migration.