Strontium is found mainly in the minerals celestite and strontianite. China is now the leading producer of strontium. Strontium metal can be prepared by electrolysis of the molten strontium chloride and potassium chloride, or by reducing strontium oxide with aluminium in a vacuum.
Is strontium found in the human body?
Strontium (Sr) is a metal that is closely related to calcium (Ca) in the body, and has beneficial or toxic effects on bone formation. Ninety-nine percent of strontium is stored in the teeth and bones after uptake in the body.
How is strontium obtained?
Today, strontium is obtained from two of its most common ores, celestite (SrSO4) and strontianite (SrCO3), by treating them with hydrochloric acid, forming strontium chloride. The strontium chloride, usually mixed with potassium chloride (KCl), is then melted and electrolyzed, forming strontium and chlorine gas (Cl2).
