Thorium (Th)

Thorium (Th)

Atomic Number: 90
Atomic Weight: 232.04
Melting Point: 1750
Boiling Point: 4790
Specific Gravity: 11.72
Valences: 2, 3, 4

Thorium was discovered in 1828 by Berzelius. It is an abundant element in the crust of the Earth, commercially obtained from the mineral monazite. Thorium is a nuclear power source, and may become a nuclear fuel. Thorium is used in preparing the Welsbach mantle used in portable gas lights. It is named after Thor - the Scandinavian god of war! [LM] {RW}