strontian

STRONTIAN, n. [from Strontian, in Argyleshire, where it was first found.] An earth which, when pure and dry, is perfectly white, and resembles baryte in many of its properties. It is a compound of oxygen and a base to which is given the name strontium, in the proportion of 16 per cent. of the former, to 84 per cent. of the latter.