Pronunciation: [a͡ɪˈɒni͡əm] (IPA) 
The word "ionium" is typically spelled with '-ium' at the end, even though it may seem like it should be spelled with '-eon'. This is due to the fact that the element is named after the parent element, thorium, which follows the same spelling pattern. In IPA, the pronunciation would be /aɪˈoʊniəm/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling may appear unusual, but it follows customs in the naming of elements.
Ionium is a chemical element that is considered a radioactive member of the actinium series. Also known as actinum-230, it is denoted by the symbol "Io" in scientific literature. Ionium occurs naturally in the Earth's crust as a decay product of thorium-238, with an atomic number of 90. This element is primarily known for its unstable nature and its ability to undergo radioactive decay.
Ionium is highly radioactive with a half-life of approximately 75,000 years, making it quite rare and difficult to isolate in pure form. It emits alpha particles during its decay process, which contributes to its radioactive properties. Owing to its high radioactivity, ionium can be harmful to living organisms if exposed in large quantities.
Due to its radioactive nature, ionium has several important applications, particularly in the field of radiometric dating. Scientists often use the radioactive decay of ionium in conjunction with other elements to determine the age of geological formations and archeological artifacts. Additionally, ionium can be used in the study of isotopes and nuclear decay processes, as its properties provide insights into these phenomena.
In summary, ionium is a radioactive chemical element known for its highly unstable nature and its potential applications in radiometric dating and the investigation of isotopes and nuclear decay processes.
A radioactive element emitting both alpha and beta radiations, but producing no emanation; it is thought to be a disintegration product of uranium and possibly the parent of radium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ionium" comes from the element "thorium" and its radioisotope "thorium-230". In 1905, British chemist Frederick Soddy discovered a radioactive isotope of thorium that decayed into an isotope of radium, known as thorium-230. He named this intermediate isotope "ionium" due to its strong radioactivity and the fact that it appeared to be a member of the "uranium series" (a decay chain that starts with uranium-238). The name "ionium" was coined from the Greek word "ion", meaning "going", to indicate that it was an intermediate stage in the decay of uranium.
