Strontium carbonate is derived from strontium, one of the alkaline-earth
metal elements (main Group IIa of the periodic table). It comprises 0.04 percent of the earth's crust, and is found
naturally principally when combined as strontianate or celestite. Strontium alone (in the form of the strontium-90
isotope) is notable as the principal health hazard in radioactive fallout; at the same time, however, the element
has been used for the treatment of bone cancer. This contrasts with the stability of the naturally occurring minerals,
which are stable and used reliably and safely in a variety of areas, including food production.
Historical Background
Adair Crawford and William Cruikshank were the first to detect strontium, in 1790, in strontianate, so named because
it was found near Strontian, in Argyll, Scotland. Sir Humphrey Davy isolated the metal in 1808 by electrolyzing
a mixture of moist hydroxide or chloride with mercuric oxide, and then evaporating the mercury from the resultant
amalgam.
Strontium Carbonate
Strontianate is strontium carbonate as found naturally. Significant deposits are found in Germany, Scotland and
the US at Strontium Hills, California. Two principal uses for strontianate are for fireworks and signal flares,
to give a red color to the explosion, and in sugar refining as a clarifying agent.
Strontium carbonate has complementary uses to barium
carbonate and calcium carbonate, but tends to be more
expensive than either of these materials. Unique characteristics of strontium carbonate sometimes make it the preferred
material in certain applications. Synthetic forms of strontium carbonate are also used for laboratory purposes.
Strontium carbonate is insoluble in water, but reacts with acids and will dissolve in carbonic acid and ammonium
salts. It is sold as a fine white powder.
If you believe you have a use for strontium carbonate, contact us. We will be happy to discuss and help you implement
your application.
