Strontium

chemistry · periodic table · metals

Soft and reactive. Strontium is so soft you can cut it with a knife, and it reacts so eagerly with air that it forms a dark coating on its surface within minutes.

Glowing metal. When strontium burns, it produces a brilliant crimson red flame, which is why it's used in fireworks to create that spectacular red color.

Found in minerals. Strontium occurs naturally in two main minerals called celestine and strontianite, which are mined to extract the pure metal.

Periodic table neighbor. Strontium sits between calcium and barium on the periodic table and shares many of their properties because they're all alkaline earth metals.

Bone-building element. Your body contains small amounts of strontium that work similarly to calcium, helping to build and maintain strong bones.