37
Rubidium
Atomic Number37
Atomic Mass85.468 u
CategoryAlkali Metal
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1861
About Rubidium
Discovered by its dark red spectral lines, the name means dark red. Extremely reactive, must be stored in inert atmosphere. Used in atomic clocks that define the second. Rubidium-87 is used to date rocks billions of years old. Has no known biological role but the body treats it like potassium. Used in specialty glass and fireworks for purple color.
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