Also known as Strontianite, Carbonic acid, strontium salt (1:1), Strontium carbonate (SrCO3), Carbonic acid strontium salt (1:1)
Strontium carbonate (SrCO3), CAS 1633-05-2, is an inorganic salt used as a strontium source in ceramic, ferrite, pyrotechnic and chemical manufacturing applications.
Inorganic saltStrontium carbonate
Product identity
CAS number
1633-05-2
Molecular formula
CO3Sr
Molecular weight
147.63 g/mol
Category
Inorganic salt
Subcategory
Strontium carbonate
Common aliases
Strontianite, Carbonic acid, strontium salt (1:1), Strontium carbonate (SrCO3)
Product overview
What is Strontium carbonate?
Strontium carbonate is an inorganic salt composed of strontium, carbon and oxygen, represented by the molecular formula CO3Sr and commonly written as SrCO3. Its CAS number is 1633-05-2, its IUPAC name is strontium carbonate, and its molecular weight is 147.63. Strontianite is a recognized mineralogical name and is also used as an alias for this compound.
As a carbonate salt, Strontium carbonate contains the carbonate anion and provides strontium for reactions in which a solid, non-chloride strontium source is preferred. It is generally encountered as a finely divided inorganic powder. Carbonate chemistry means that acid contact can release carbon dioxide while converting the salt into another strontium compound, so reaction behaviour depends strongly on acidity, temperature and the surrounding formulation.
Strontium carbonate has an established role in ceramic bodies, glazes and ferrite-related materials, where heating can promote decomposition, solid-state reaction or incorporation of strontium into the finished phase. It is also used in selected pyrotechnic compositions and as an intermediate or feedstock for producing other strontium compounds. These uses are context-dependent and require formulation-specific assessment rather than assuming every grade is suitable.
Selection should consider particle characteristics, chemical purity, moisture condition, thermal behaviour and compatibility with the intended matrix. In ceramic and ferrite processing, dispersion, firing profile and interactions with silica, alumina, iron oxides or other constituents can influence results. For pyrotechnic or chemical synthesis work, controlled formulation design and applicable safety requirements are essential. A particular Strontium carbonate grade should be evaluated against the process, equipment and finished-product criteria.
Technical profile
Product properties
Review the product identity and general physical profile before specifying the grade required for your operation.
Category
Inorganic salt
Subcategory
Strontium carbonate
IUPAC name
strontium carbonate
Molecular formula
CO3Sr
Molecular weight
147.63 g/mol
Uses and markets
Applications and industries
The correct product specification depends on the intended process, grade requirements and operating conditions.
Strontium Carbonate in Ceramic and Ferrite Materials
Strontium carbonate is used as a strontium-bearing raw material in selected ceramic, glaze, enamel and ferrite formulations. During heating, its carbonate structure can participate in decomposition and solid-state reactions, allowing strontium to enter newly formed phases. Outcomes depend on particle size, mixing quality, firing atmosphere, peak temperature and the other oxides present. Because formulation design varies, suitability should be established through representative trials rather than inferred from the chemical name alone.
In ferrite development, Strontium carbonate may be combined with iron oxide and other formulation components before calcination and sintering. The carbonate stage can influence gas evolution, powder reaction and phase development during heating. Milling intensity, batch homogeneity and thermal profile therefore matter alongside nominal composition. Comparison with other strontium sources should include decomposition behaviour, counter-ions, handling characteristics and the effect of residual or evolved species on the intended material.
Strontium Carbonate for Pyrotechnic Formulations
Strontium carbonate is recognised as a strontium source in selected pyrotechnic compositions, particularly formulations designed to produce red visual effects. Its role is chemical rather than merely decorative: the strontium contribution interacts with the formulation’s fuel, oxidising components and flame environment. Performance cannot be predicted from Strontium carbonate alone, because particle characteristics, composition balance, ignition conditions and preparation methods all influence the observed result.
When considered for pyrotechnics, Strontium carbonate should be compared with alternative strontium salts by examining oxygen balance, decomposition behaviour, compatibility and the residue formed after combustion. Carbonate-containing materials may behave differently from nitrates, chlorides or other salts because they bring a different anion and gas-evolution pathway. Work should remain within competent technical controls and applicable legal requirements, with formulation-specific testing used to establish whether a selected grade is appropriate.
Carbonate Reactivity and Strontium Compound Production
Strontium carbonate is a practical precursor for selected downstream strontium compounds because the carbonate ion can be displaced by acids or other reactive systems. Acidification commonly promotes conversion to a soluble strontium salt while releasing carbon dioxide, with reaction rate affected by surface area, mixing, temperature and acid concentration. This makes the material useful in chemical synthesis, although exact conversion conditions depend on the target product and process design.
Compared with strontium hydroxide or readily soluble strontium salts, Strontium carbonate generally offers a less immediately soluble starting point and a different reaction profile. That distinction can help when gradual neutralisation, solid charging or carbonate removal is part of the process, but it may be unsuitable where rapid dissolution is required. Process developers should assess gas release, heat generation, residual solids and downstream impurity limits before selecting this precursor.
Analytical and Formulation Considerations for Strontium Carbonate
Analytical evaluation of Strontium carbonate commonly focuses on identity, carbonate content, strontium content, moisture, insoluble matter and particle characteristics relevant to the intended application. Methods may include acid reaction observations, gravimetric or instrumental elemental analysis, thermal analysis and phase examination. The appropriate test combination depends on whether the material is destined for ceramics, pyrotechnics, synthesis, research or another specialised use.
Formulators should also consider how Strontium carbonate disperses, reacts and changes during processing rather than relying only on its molecular weight of 147.63. In a wet system, limited solubility may produce a suspension instead of a true solution; in an acidic system, carbon dioxide evolution may affect mixing and volume. These behaviours distinguish it from soluble strontium salts and should be incorporated into method development and scale-up assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Strontium carbonate
What is the formula and chemical identity of Strontium carbonate?
Strontium carbonate is an inorganic salt composed of strontium, carbon and oxygen. Its molecular formula is CO3Sr, commonly written as SrCO3, and its CAS number is 1633-05-2. The compound is also associated with the mineralogical name Strontianite. Its molecular weight is 147.63. The carbonate ion gives the material characteristic carbonate reactivity, while the strontium component makes it useful as a source of strontium in ceramic, ferrite, pyrotechnic and chemical applications. Identity alone does not define application suitability, because particle characteristics, purity, moisture condition and processing behaviour can vary between commercial materials.
Is Strontium carbonate soluble in water?
Strontium carbonate is generally considered sparingly soluble in water rather than freely soluble. The actual apparent behaviour can be influenced by particle size, temperature, agitation, impurities, carbon dioxide and the composition of the surrounding liquid. In acidic media, dissolution is promoted because carbonate reacts with hydrogen ions, producing a dissolved strontium salt and carbon dioxide. This acid reactivity is important in synthesis and analytical work, but it can also affect pH, gas release and suspension behaviour. A process requiring a clear strontium solution may therefore need a different strontium compound or a separately validated conversion step.
What happens when Strontium carbonate reacts with an acid?
When Strontium carbonate reacts with an acid, the carbonate component is protonated and carbon dioxide is commonly released. The remaining strontium forms a salt associated with the acid used, such as a strontium chloride or strontium nitrate in appropriately designed reactions. The reaction can generate heat, foam or gas evolution, depending on concentration, addition rate, scale and mixing. Fine particles may react faster because of greater surface area. Practical work should account for controlled addition, ventilation, temperature management and potential splashing. The exact product composition depends on the acid, stoichiometry and any other substances present.
Why is Strontium carbonate used in ceramic and ferrite processing?
Strontium carbonate provides a solid source of strontium that can participate in high-temperature reactions with other ceramic constituents. During heating, carbonate decomposition and subsequent solid-state reactions may help form strontium-containing phases in ceramic bodies, glazes, enamels or ferrite materials. Its usefulness depends on powder mixing, particle size, calcination, sintering conditions and the chemistry of accompanying oxides. It is not a universal substitute for every strontium source. A soluble or differently decomposing precursor may behave better in another process. Trials should therefore assess phase formation, gas evolution, shrinkage, surface appearance and final material properties.
What role can Strontium carbonate have in pyrotechnic compositions?
Strontium carbonate can serve as a strontium source in selected pyrotechnic compositions designed to produce red colour effects. The visible result comes from the interaction of strontium species with the formulation and flame environment, not from the carbonate alone. Fuel type, oxidising components, particle characteristics, contamination, ignition conditions and composition balance all influence performance. Other strontium salts may behave differently because their anions alter oxygen balance, decomposition pathways and combustion residues. Pyrotechnic development requires competent technical control, appropriate testing and compliance with applicable laws. A chemical identity should never be treated as a complete formulation or operating procedure.
How does Strontium carbonate differ from strontium nitrate?
Strontium carbonate and strontium nitrate both provide strontium, but their anions give them different chemical and thermal behaviour. Strontium carbonate is generally sparingly soluble and releases carbon dioxide when treated with acid. Strontium nitrate is substantially more water-compatible and introduces nitrate, which can influence oxidation balance and thermal decomposition. These differences matter in ceramics, chemical synthesis and pyrotechnics. Carbonate may be preferred as a solid precursor or for avoiding nitrate introduction, while nitrate may be selected when dissolution or an oxidising contribution is required. The appropriate choice depends on the complete formulation, process conditions and finished-product requirements.
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