Radium (Ra)

Radium (Ra)

Atomic Number: 88
Atomic Weight: 226.03
Melting Point: 700
Boiling Point: 1140
Specific Gravity: 5.0
Valences: 2

Radium was discovered in 1898 by M and Mme Curie and isolated in 1911 by Mme Curie and Debierne. It is radioactive, emitting alpha, beta and gamma rays. It is used to treat cancer and produce self-luminous paints. Radium is found in all uranium minerals. Large deposits are located in Ontario, Canada and Australia. [LM] {RW}