Element 38 · Alkaline Earth Metal
Strontium
Strontium gives fireworks their bright red colour — and was once central to CRT television glass.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Sr
ATOMIC NO.
38
ATOMIC WEIGHT
87.62
CATEGORY
Alkaline Earth Metal
PERIOD
Period 5
GROUP
Group 2
Origins
Strontium was discovered in 1790 by Adair Crawford and William Cruickshank in a mineral from the village of Strontian in Argyll, Scotland — making it one of the few elements named after a British location. Isolated in metallic form by Humphry Davy in 1808 by electrolysis. Strontium nitrate produces brilliant crimson flames and has been used in flares, signal rockets, and fireworks since the 19th century. Strontium-90, a product of nuclear fission, was a major radiological concern during 1950s–60s atmospheric nuclear testing as it accumulates in bone like calcium.
Key Properties
Strontium is element 38, a soft silvery alkaline earth metal. The name comes from Strontian, a Scottish village where its mineral form was first identified.
Modern Applications
Strontium aluminate phosphors in glow-in-the-dark items. Strontium nitrate in fireworks (red colour). Strontium ranelate (medical, for osteoporosis treatment, since withdrawn from many markets due to side effects). Historically: lead glass in CRT TV tubes (largely obsolete).
At the Yard
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Strontium:
Pure strontium oxidises rapidly and is handled only as a chemical commodity. CRT TV recovery is now declining as the installed base ages out. No general scrap market.
Market Value
Strontium carbonate trades at approximately £250–500/tonne. Celestine (strontium sulphate ore) is mined mainly in China and Spain. Not a scrap metal.