Uses and Experiments Cf, with Californium, plus some interesting Facts
* Californium was the sixth transuranium element that was discovered.
* Californium is not a stable element in its natural state, and there is only one ion that scientists were able to stabilize. This ion is Cf, and Californium (III) which is stable in aqueous solutions.
* Scientists have tried to reduce or oxidize Californium (III), but all attempts have failed so far.
* Only due to the fact that the isotopes 249Cf, 250Cf, 251Cf, and 252Cf exist, it is possible to isolate Californium in amounts that are big enough to weigh. Therefore it is also possible to study certain properties of Californium.
* Californium is a metal, but it has not yet been accomplished to reduce it to that state. Scientists believe that Californium has a silvery white or grey color.
* It is believed that there will be many new uses for Californium in the future, because it is a very efficient source of neutrons.
* Right now Californium is used in neutron moisture gages and in well-logging.
* Its main use is that it is there for the discovery of metals (gold/silver) through on-the-spot activation analysis.
* 252Cf is actually being offered for sale by the O.R.N.L. It costs ten dollars per milligram.
* By May 1975 more than 63 milligrams of 252Cf had been produced and sold.
* Some scientists suggest that Californium is being produced in supernovae. This however is a very questioned statement.
* Californium is used for rocket fuel
* 252Cf is a very strong neutron emitter. One microgram releases 170 million neutrons per minute, which presents biological hazards.