Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How Is Radium Refined?

Marie Currie and her husband, Pierre Currie first discovered radium in 1898. The French scientists were able to isolate the radioactive material from pitchblende, a mineral found in Bohemia. The chemical has been found in other parts of the world, including Canada. Its uses have been varied as more information has been learned about the substance.

Initial Discovery
- Marie and Pierre Curie discovered higher amounts than usual in pitchblende found in the country of Bohemia. They boiled the pitchblende in hot water that released the radium. According to the Royal Society of Chemists, Madame Curie used electrolysis to isolate or refine a solution of pure radium chloride in 1911.
Modern Sources
- Uranium contains radium as well. The Great Lake region of Canada and the Republic of Zaire have large deposits of uranium ore. Once the uranium ore removed, the ore is milled or refined and turned into a powder. Mine and milling waste contains a high amount of radium, according to Argonne National Laboratory's Human Health fact sheet on radium.
Appearance
- When freshly refined, radium glows in a brilliant white color. According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, as the substance becomes exposed to air it darkens to a black color. This luminescent ingredient formerly aided watches and aircraft instruments to glow in the dark.
Today
- Radium remains a highly dangerous material. Prior products of toothpaste and cancer treatments are no longer in use because of the high radiation content and health risks. The scientific notebooks detailing the Curries' experiments cannot be touched as they contain too much radiation to be safely handled, 100 years after they were first created.

Science