Strontium
alkaline earth · Group 2 · Period 5
Atomic properties
Market data
Raw material sources & pricing
| Raw Material Form | Grade/Quality | Price Range | Major Sources | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celestine (High Grade) | 90-96% SrSO₄ | $180-250/MT | Spain, China | Minimal processing required |
| Celestine (Standard Grade) | 85-90% SrSO₄ | $150-180/MT | Iran, Mexico | Requires beneficiation |
| Strontianite | 90-95% SrCO₃ | $300-400/MT | Limited sources | Rare, higher Sr content than celestine |
| Processed Strontium Carbonate | 98-99% SrCO₃ | $600-850/MT | Chemical plants | Converted from celestine |
Celestine (Celestite) - Primary Raw Material
Current Market Price: $180-250/MT (90%+ SrSO₄ content) Major Global Reserves (estimated): Spain: 90 million MT - Highest quality deposits in Granada Basin China: 56 million MT - Significant deposits in Guangxi Province Iran: 40 million MT - Growing production capacity Mexico: 35 million MT - Historic major producer Turkey: 15 million MT - Emerging producer 2025 Production Leaders: Spain: 150,000 MT (30% of global production) China: 140,000 MT (28% of global production) Iran: 120,000 MT (24% of global production) Mexico: 35,000 MT (7% of global production) Argentina: 15,000 MT (3% of global production) Raw Material Form Grade/Quality Price Range Major Sources Notes Celestine (High Grade) 90-96% SrSO₄ $180-250/MT Spain, China Minimal processing required Celestine (Standard Grade) 85-90% SrSO
✓ Seawater Strontium Extraction
Commercial Viability: ECONOMICALLY VIABLE IN SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS Concentration: 7-8 mg/L (7-8 ppm) - 3,500 times higher than aluminum Chemical Form: Sr²⁺ ions (free in solution) Status: Strontium is successfully extracted from seawater commercially in specific applications, particularly from concentrated brines and bitterns (residual brines from salt production). The concentration is sufficient for economic recovery when combined with other mineral extraction processes. Note: While not as common as celestine mining, seawater extraction is technically and economically feasible, especially in regions with existing salt production infrastructure.
Production cost analysis
| Cost Component | $/MT SrCO₃ | % of Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celestine Ore (1.7 MT needed) | $306-425 | 35-40% | Based on 90% SrSO₄ ore |
| Energy (Coal/Natural Gas) | $150-200 | 15-20% | For calcination and processing |
| Sodium Carbonate | $120-150 | 12-15% | For conversion process |
| Labor | $80-120 | 8-12% | Varies by country |
| Other Materials & Overhead | $144-205 | 15-20% | Maintenance, utilities, transport |
| Total Production Cost | $800-1,100 | 100% | Compare to selling price: $600-850/MT |
Energy consumption breakdown
| Process Stage | Energy Consumption | % of Total Energy | Energy Type | Key Operations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celestine Crushing & Grinding | 1-2 MJ/kg | 8-10% | Electricity | Size reduction to -200 mesh |
| Conversion Process | 8-10 MJ/kg | 50-55% | Coal/Natural Gas | Roasting at 1100-1200°C or Na₂CO₃ leaching |
| Filtration & Washing | 2-3 MJ/kg | 15-20% | Electricity/Steam | Separation and purification |
| Drying & Packaging | 3-4 MJ/kg | 20-25% | Natural Gas | Product finishing at 150-200°C |
Black Ash Process Details
Mixing: Celestine + coal (1:0.2 ratio) Roasting: 1100-1200°C for 2-3 hours Leaching: Hot water extraction of SrS Carbonation: CO₂ injection to precipitate SrCO₃ Recovery: 85-90% conversion efficiency
Soda Ash Process Details
Mixing: Celestine + Na₂CO₃ solution Reaction: 80-90°C for 4-6 hours Double decomposition: SrSO₄ + Na₂CO₃ → SrCO₃ + Na₂SO₄ Filtration: Separation of SrCO₃ precipitate Recovery: 90-95% conversion efficiency
Commercial forms & specifications
| Product Form | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | Typical Purity | Price Range (USD/kg) | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strontium Carbonate | SrCO₃ | 147.63 g/mol | 98-99% | $0.60-0.85 | Pyrotechnics, ceramics, glass |
| Strontium Nitrate | Sr(NO₃)₂ | 211.63 g/mol | 98-99% | $1.20-1.80 | Fireworks (red color), signal flares |
| Strontium Sulfate (Celestine) | SrSO₄ | 183.68 g/mol | 90-96% | $0.18-0.25 | Raw material, drilling fluids |
| Strontium Hydroxide | Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O | 265.76 g/mol | 95-98% | $1.50-2.20 | Sugar refining, lubricants |
| Strontium Chloride | SrCl₂·6H₂O | 266.62 g/mol | 98-99% | $0.80-1.20 | Toothpaste, medicine |
| Strontium Oxide | SrO | 103.62 g/mol | 95-99% | $2.50-3.50 | Electronics, catalysts |
| Strontium Ferrite | SrFe₁₂O₁₉ | 1061.77 g/mol | 98-99% | $3.00-5.00 | Permanent magnets, speakers |
| Strontium Titanate | SrTiO₃ | 183.49 g/mol | 99-99.9% | $15.00-25.00 | Capacitors, optical materials |
| Strontium Aluminate | SrAl₂O₄ | 205.58 g/mol | 98-99% | $8.00-15.00 | Glow-in-dark materials |
| Strontium Chromate | SrCrO₄ | 203.61 g/mol | 95-98% | $4.00-6.00 | Corrosion resistant coatings |
| Strontium Metal | Sr | 87.62 g/mol | 99-99.9% | $50.00-80.00 | Alloys, getters in vacuum tubes |
| Strontium Ranelate | C₁₂H₆N₂O₈SSr₂ | 513.49 g/mol | Pharmaceutical grade | $500-1,000 | Osteoporosis treatment (EU) |
Suppliers by country
🇪🇸 Spain
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Química del Estroncio S.A. | Carbonate, nitrate, chloride, hydroxide | Europe's largest producer, high-purity products |
| Canteras Industriales S.L. | Celestine ore, carbonate | Mining and processing, Granada Basin deposits |
🇨🇳 China
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Hebei Xinji Chemical Group | Full range of Sr compounds | Integrated production, ferrite magnets |
| Shenyang Huachang Antimony | Carbonate, nitrate, metal | High-purity strontium metal |
| Jiaocheng Sanxi Chemical | Carbonate, sulfate | Export-focused production |
🇲🇽 Mexico
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Compañía Minera La Valenciana | Celestine ore, carbonate | Historic celestine producer, Coahuila mines |
🇧🇪 Belgium / 🇫🇷 France
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Solvay S.A. | High-purity carbonate, specialty compounds | Pharmaceutical grade products (sold operations in 2020) |
🇺🇸 United States
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| ProChem, Inc. | Carbonate, nitrate, chloride, custom compounds | High-purity chemicals, custom synthesis |
| Noah Technologies | High-purity compounds, metal | Research grade materials |
| Barium & Chemicals, Inc. | Carbonate, specialty compounds | Joint Ba/Sr production |
🇯🇵 Japan
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Sakai Chemical Industry | Titanate, ferrite, specialty compounds | Electronic materials, advanced ceramics |
🇳🇱 Netherlands
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| KBM Affilips BV | Carbonate, master alloys | Aluminum-strontium alloys |
Market demand by product form
| Product Form | Global Market Size | USA Market | China Market | Growth Rate (CAGR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strontium Carbonate | $85 million | 15% share | 40% share | 8.4% |
| Ferrite Magnets | $60 million | 20% share | 45% share | 7.5% |
| Pyrotechnics/Flares | $45 million | 35% share | 25% share | 5.5% |
| Drilling Fluids | $25 million | 40% share | 15% share | 4.8% |
| Glass & Ceramics | $20 million | 10% share | 35% share | 3.5% |
| Medical/Dental | $10 million | 25% share | 20% share | 9.5% |
| Paints & Coatings | $5 million | 20% share | 30% share | 6.0% |
Market trends
Critical Raw Material Status: EU designation in 2020 driving investment in European production and recycling Medical Applications Growth: Strontium ranelate for osteoporosis and Sr-89 for bone cancer pain relief Magnet Market Expansion: Growing demand for Sr ferrites as alternative to rare earth magnets Spain Production Surge: Increased from 90,000 MT (2019) to 150,000 MT (2021-2025) Glow Materials Innovation: Strontium aluminate replacing zinc sulfide in safety signage Recycling Challenge: Less than 1% recycling rate despite CRM status Drilling Fluids Demand: Oil & gas exploration driving celestine consumption
Moles per kilogram
| Product Form | Formula | MW (g/mol) | Moles/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strontium Metal | Sr | 87.62 | 11.41 |
| Strontium Carbonate | SrCO₃ | 147.63 | 6.77 |
| Strontium Sulfate | SrSO₄ | 183.68 | 5.44 |
| Strontium Nitrate | Sr(NO₃)₂ | 211.63 | 4.73 |
| Strontium Hydroxide (octahydrate) | Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O | 265.76 | 3.76 |
| Strontium Chloride (hexahydrate) | SrCl₂·6H₂O | 266.62 | 3.75 |
References
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