Strontium oxide or strontia, SrO, is formed when strontium reacts with oxygen. Burning strontium in air results in a mixture of strontium oxide and strontium nitride. It also forms from the decomposition of strontium carbonate SrCO3. It is a strongly basic oxide.
About 8% by weight of cathode ray tubes is strontium oxide, which has been the major use of strontium since 1970.[1] [2] Color televisions and other devices containing color cathode ray tubes sold in the United States are required by law to use strontium in the faceplate to block X-ray emission (these X-ray emitting TVs are no longer in production). Lead(II) oxide can be used in the neck and funnel, but causes discoloration when used in the faceplate.[3]
Elemental strontium is formed when strontium oxide is heated with aluminium in a vacuum.