Radium vs. Iridescent — What's the Difference?

Symbol Ra, atomic number 88.

Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.

Found in uranium ores.

Relates to thin film interference.

Emits alpha, beta, and gamma rays.

Common in nature, as in some insects and birds.

Historically used in watch dials.

Often seen in peacock feathers.

A heavy radioactive metallic element.

Used in fashion for visually striking effects.

Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is the sixth element in group 2 of the periodic table, also known as the alkaline earth metals.

Producing a display of lustrous, rainbowlike colors

The chemical element of atomic number 88, a rare radioactive metal of the alkaline earth series. It was formerly used as a source of radiation for radiotherapy.

Brilliant, lustrous, or colorful in effect or appearance

A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores, having more than 40 isotopes and isomers with mass numbers between 201 and 234, of which Ra-226 with a half-life of 1,600 years is the most common. It is used as a neutron source for some research purposes and was formerly widely used in cancer radiotherapy and as a constituent of luminescent paints. Atomic number 88; melting point 696°C; boiling point 1,737°C; specific gravity 5; valence 2. See Periodic Table.

(not comparable) Producing a display of lustrous, rainbow-like colors; prismatic.

The chemical element (symbol Ra) with an atomic number of 88. It is a soft, shiny and silvery radioactive alkaline earth metal.

Brilliant, lustrous, or colorful.

A type of cloth woven from silk or synthetic yarn, often with a shiny appearance.

Having colors like the rainbow; exhibiting a play of changeable colors; nacreous; prismatic; as, iridescent glass. See iridescence.

To treat (a tumour, etc.) with radium.

Varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles;

An intensely radioactive metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende, and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight, 226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in 1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende. Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum. It is divalent, resembling barium chemically. The main isotope of radium found in pitchblende, radium-226, has a half-life of 1620 years, decaying first by alpha emission to radon.

Having a play of lustrous rainbow-like colors;

An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores

No, radium is no longer used in watch dials due to safety concerns.

Yes, iridescence can be artificially created in materials like films and glass.

Radium is now rarely used, mostly in specialized industrial applications due to its radioactivity.

Radium is found in minute amounts in uranium ores.

In nature, iridescence can serve functions such as attracting mates or deterring predators.

Iridescent colors are produced by structural coloration, where light interacts with microstructures.

Many products like jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics feature iridescent qualities.

Initially, radium was not well understood and was used in many consumer products before its dangers were known.

Radium is highly radioactive and can pose serious health risks, including cancer.

Radium was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie through their research on pitchblende.

Microscopic structures in the feathers interfere with light to create the iridescent effect.

Advances in materials science have enhanced the use and durability of iridescent effects in technology and art.

Radium itself is not visible, but it can emit a visible glow due to its radioactivity.

Animals use iridescence for various purposes, including camouflage and signaling.

Strict protective measures and regulatory compliance are essential when handling radium.