Strontium is a grey/silvery metal which is only found naturally in compound form due to its high reactivity with oxygen and water. It should be kept in kerosene oil to prevent oxidation. Strontium commonly occurs in nature chiefly in the form of sulfate mineral celestite (SrSO4) and the carbonate strontianite (SrCO3). It’s the 15th most abundant element in earth crust and comprises 0.034% of all igneous rock. In scientific research Strontium is used in studies of neurotransmitter release in neurons. Like calcium, strontium facilitates synaptic vesicle fusion with the synaptic membrane. Recent studies show that the drug strontium ranelate, made by combining strontium with ranelic acid, was found to aid bone growth, increase bone density, and lessen vertebral, peripheral and hip fractures.