Category: Alkaline earth metal
Atomic Number: 38
Period: 5 | Group: 2
Block: s-block
The element that paints fireworks crimson and, as strontium-90, once fell out of the sky after weapons tests.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Density | N/A |
| Melting Point | 1050.00 K (776.85 °C) |
| Boiling Point | 1655.00 K (1381.85 °C) |
| Heat Capacity | N/A |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 87.6200 u |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | N/A |
| Oxidation States | +2 |
| Electron Configuration |
| Discovered By | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Discovery Year | 1790 |
| Named After | Strontian, a village in Scotland |
The Scottish Mineral
Adair Crawford and William Cruickshank recognized a new element in 1790 while analyzing strontianite mineral from lead mines near Strontian, Scotland. Humphry Davy first isolated pure strontium metal in 1808 through electrolysis, naming it after its discovery location.
| ISOTOPE | Neutrons | Natural Abundance | Half-life | Decay Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sr-84 | 46 | 0.56% | Stable | - |
| Sr-86 | 48 | 9.86% | Stable | - |
| Sr-87 | 49 | 7.00% | Stable | - |
| Sr-88 | 50 | 82.58% | Stable | - |
| Sr-89 | 51 | - | 50.563 days | β⁻ |
| Sr-90 | 52 | - | 28.91 yrs | β⁻ |
Data: IAEA Nuclear Data Section, LiveChart of Nuclides, ground-state evaluations, retrieved October 10, 2026. Abundance is the share of atoms in the natural element; a dash means the isotope has no standard natural abundance.
Strontium: The Fireworks Star
Strontium creates the brilliant red colors that illuminate celebrations worldwide, while its unique properties enable advanced ceramics, medical imaging, and specialized glass applications requiring exceptional performance characteristics.
Pyrotechnic Applications
Strontium carbonate and nitrate produce pure red flames in fireworks, flares, and signal devices. Molecular emission from SrCl and SrOH (not the blue 460.7 nm atomic line) creates the intense red color essential for patriotic displays, emergency signaling, and military applications where color recognition is critical.
Ceramic and Glass Technology
Strontium ferrite magnets provide cost-effective permanent magnet solutions for motors, speakers, and magnetic assemblies. Strontium titanate ceramics exhibit high dielectric constants essential for capacitor applications and microwave electronics.
Medical Applications
Strontium-89 radiotherapy treats bone cancer pain through targeted radiation delivery to bone tissue, while strontium ranelate pharmaceuticals help prevent osteoporotic fractures by promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption.
| Earth's Crust | N/A |
|---|---|
| Universe | N/A |