radium

A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores, having more than 40 isotopes and isomers with mass numbers between 201 and 234, of which Ra-226 with a half-life of 1,600 years is the most common. It is used in cancer radiotherapy, as a neutron source for some research purposes, and formerly as a constituent of luminescent paints. Atomic number 88; melting point 696°C; boiling point 1,737°C; specific gravity 5; valence 2. cross-reference: Periodic Table.

A chemical element of very remarkable character, discovered in 1898 by Mme. Sklodowska Curie, working with her husband and M. Bémont.

An intensely radioactive metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende, and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight, 226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in 1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende. Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum. It is divalent, resembling barium chemically. The main isotope of radium found in pitchblende, radium-226, has a half-life of 1620 years, decaying first by alpha emission to radon.

a radioactive metallic chemical element (symbol Ra) with an atomic number of 88.

an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores