Strontium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula SrCO₃. It is a white, odorless powder that is insoluble in water. It occurs naturally as the mineral strontianite. Strontium carbonate can be prepared by reacting strontium salts with carbonate - containing solutions.

Strontium carbonate has several important uses:

Pyrotechnics: It is widely used in the pyrotechnics industry to produce a bright red color in fireworks and flares. The strontium ions emit a characteristic red light when heated, which creates the vivid red hues seen in these displays.

Glass Manufacturing: In the glass industry, strontium carbonate is used to improve the quality and properties of glass. It can enhance the refractive index and chemical durability of glass, making it suitable for applications such as cathode - ray tubes (CRTs) and specialty optical glasses.

Ceramics: It is added to ceramic glazes and bodies to improve their properties. Strontium carbonate can help to lower the melting point of ceramics, increase their strength, and enhance their resistance to thermal shock. It also contributes to the formation of desirable colors and textures in ceramic products.

Metallurgy: In metallurgy, strontium carbonate is used as a flux or a deoxidizer. It helps to remove impurities and oxides from molten metals, improving the quality of the metal and its casting properties. It is particularly useful in the production of certain alloys, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys.

Medical Applications: Strontium - 89, a radioactive isotope of strontium, is derived from strontium carbonate and is used in nuclear medicine for the treatment of bone pain associated with metastatic bone cancer. The radioactive strontium is taken up by the bones and emits beta - particles, which help to relieve pain.