Strontian is the main village in Sunart, an area in western Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, on the A861 road. Prior to 1975 it was part of Argyllshire. It lies on the north shore of Loch Sunart, close to the head of the loch. In the hills to the north of Strontian lead was mined in the 18th century and in these mines the mineral strontianite was discovered, from which the element strontium was first isolated.
Loch Sunart north side view towards the bay where Strontian lies
Bridge in the centre of Strontian
Welcome sign at Strontian
Strontian and Sgùrr Dhòmhnuill viewed from the south shore of Loch Sunart
Strontianite (SrCO3) is an important raw material for the extraction of strontium. It is a rare carbonate mineral and one of only a few strontium minerals. It is a member of the aragonite group.
Strontianite from Slovakia
Radial aggregate of strontianite
Acicular strontianite in spherical aggregates
Strontianite in pseudo-hexagonal crystals