Elemental Applications: Strontium

materialsscienceandengineering:

The primary use of this metal in today’s society is in the glass that makes up cathode ray tubes, blocking the transmission of X-rays (though, given that CRTs are slowly being replaced by other alternatives, so too is the usage of strontium declining). 

Strontium isotopes are commonly used to determine the origin of things, such as sediment and ancient archaeological materials. For example, forensic scientists use the varying isotopes of the element in a person’s bones to help determine the region someone comes from. 

Other applications of the element include producing a deep red color in fireworks, in toothpastes for sensitive teeth, and in the refinement of zinc (removing lead impurities). Many more possible applications for strontium compounds are still being researched.

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