38Sr87.62
Strontium
Alkaline earth metalsReactive metals with two outer electrons, found in rocks, shells and bones.
[Kr] 5s²
- Atomic number
- 38
- Atomic mass
- 87.62
- Protons
- 38
- Neutrons
- 50 (most common)
- Electrons
- 38
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 8, 2
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 2, period 5
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byAdair Crawford, 1790 (isolated by Humphry Davy, 1808)Humphry Davy: 7 elementsAdair Crawford: 1 element
Crawford recognised a new earth in a mineral from Strontian, a Scottish village, which gave the element its name.
Did you know?
- It gives flames a bright crimson colour.
- Strontium aluminate glows for hours after light hits it.
Where it's found
- Celestine and strontianite minerals
What it's used for
- Red fireworks and flares
- Glow-in-the-dark paints
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Strontium. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.