Where Can the Element Strontium Be Found?
Strontium, an alkaline earth metal and number 38 on the periodic table, is a highly reactive element with many medical and manufacturing applications. It can be found in several countries around the world. History Strontium was discovered in a Scottish lead mine near the town of Strontian, from which it takes its name. The element was known as early as 1790, but it wasn’t isolated until 1808, when the famous scientist Sir Humphrey Davy announced the achievement at the Royal Society in London. Geography According to the United States Geological Survey, China has produced most of the world’s strontium in recent years, while Turkey, Mexico and Spain also produced substantial amounts (around 100,000 tons annually). Morocco, Argentina and Iran produced smaller amounts. Types Commonly used types (isotopes) of strontium include strontium-90, strontium-89 and strontium-86/-87 (a mixture often found together). Each of these has the chemical characteristics of strontium but behaves differently i
