Characteristics and uses of Strontium

Strontium is a soft, silvery metal. When cut it quickly turns a yellowish color due to the formation of strontium oxide (strontia, SrO) . Finely powdered strontium metal is sufficiently reactive to ignite spontaneously in air. It reacts with water quickly (but not violently like the Group 1 metals) to produce strontium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Strontium and its compounds burn with a crimson flame and are used in fireworks.
Strontium is used for producing glass (cathode ray tubes) for color televisions. It is also used in producing ferrite ceramic magnets and in refining zinc. The world's most accurate atomic clock, accurate to one second in 200 million years, has been developed using strontium atoms. Strontium salts are used in flares and fireworks for a crimson color. Strontium chloride is used in toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Strontium oxide is used to improve the quality of pottery glazes. The isotope 90Sr is one of the best long-lived, high-energy beta emitters known. It is used in cancer therapy.