Strontites refers to a chemical compound that belongs to the family of strontium minerals. It is commonly known as strontianite. The term "strontites" is derived from the element strontium, which is a silvery-white alkaline earth metal.
Strontites is typically a pale yellow or white mineral that is found in crystal form. Its chemical composition consists of strontium carbonate (SrCO3). It has a relatively high level of hardness, ranging from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, indicating that it can be scratched by a knife but not by a fingernail.
This mineral is known for its occurrence in sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal veins. It is relatively rare and is frequently associated with other strontium minerals, such as celestine and anglesite. Strontites is notably found in various locations worldwide, including Scotland, Germany, England, Belgium, Russia, and the United States.
The chemical and physical properties of strontites make it a significant source of strontium, which has various applications in industries. For instance, strontium compounds derived from strontites are widely used in pyrotechnics to produce vivid red colors. Additionally, strontites can be utilized in the production of glass, ceramics, pigments, and specialty alloys. Furthermore, as a source material for the extraction of strontium, strontites have significant applications in the medical field, where the element is used in x-ray imaging and bone density tests.
