Astatine Cube Element Sample

$108.00
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Astatine's atomic number is 85 and its symbol is At. It is the rarest naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust, occurring only as the decay product of various heavier elements. All of the astatine's isotopes are short-lived; the most stable is astatine-210, with a half-life of 8.1 hours. A sample of the pure element has never been assembled, because any macroscopic specimen would be immediately vaporized by the heat of its own radioactivity. The sample contained in this cube is uranium autunite, which is about 50% uranium by weight. It is estimated that there are approximately 5 atoms of astatine for every 1 gram of uranium via nuclear decay. Given that we put about 2 grams of uranium autunite in each cube, you should have 0-5 atoms of astatine in your model at any given moment. These atoms will theoretically only last about 2.5 seconds each. The bulk properties of astatine are not known with certainty, but many of them have been estimated based on the element's position on the periodic table. Astatine is likely to have a dark or lustrous appearance and could be a semiconductor or possibly a metal. Named after the Greek word astériktos, meaning "unstable". Less than one gram is present in the Earth's crust at any given time. Neither the most stable isotope astatine-210, nor the medically useful astatine-211, occur naturally; they can only be produced synthetically. This display is contained within crystal clear Lucite acrylic.
Please note that this item might be classified as hazardous material in certain countries. We suggest checking local guidelines to ensure compliance before placing your order.
Details
  • Made In USA
  • 2x2x2 inches
  • Uranium autunite for sample.
Safety

The cube is slightly radioactive but the acrylic shields most of the Alpha and Beta particles. Background radiation we are exposed to this every day is about 30CPM. These samples measure anywhere from 60 to 120 CPM. So about 2 to 4 times the background radiation. In comparison, you would receive more radiation flying on an airplane. X-rays at the doctor's office would be thousands of times this dose.  Also, a side note, the FDA allows for a person to consume about 20mg of uranium in their drinking water every year.  The bottom line is that this cube is very safe unless you were somehow able to break it open and make pistachio pudding with it. 

Care Instructions

Wash with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Use a clean, soft cloth, or sponge. Rinse and blot dry with a damp cloth or chamois.

*Never use abrasive cleaners, household cleaners, window-cleaning fluids, scouring compounds, gritty cloths, or strong solvents such as alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, etc.*

To maintain the brilliant luster of acrylic, wax and occasionally with a quality grade of automobile paste wax (NOT A CLEANER WAX COMBINATION.) Apply a thin coat with a clean, cotton flannel cloth. Then wipe with a clean damp cloth. NEVER USE HOUSEHOLD SPRAY WAXES.

Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Customer Reviews

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J
Jack
Hi

Very cool stuff