- Made In USA
- 2x2x2 inches
- Radioactive symbol. No sample.
Plutonium's atomic number is 94 and its symbol is Pu. Named after dwarf planet Pluto, itself named after classical god of the underworld Pluto. Plutonium is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized, and can display up to five different colors depending on its oxidation state.
Plutonium oxide forms on the surface of plutonium exposed to air. The oxide is pyrophoric, so pieces of plutonium might glow like embers as the outer coating burns. Plutonium is one of a handful of radioactive elements that "glows in the dark," although the glow is from heat.
Plutonium makes up the core of nuclear weapons and has also been used in such things as batteries for space craft and radioactive sources for smoke detectors.
This display is contained within crystal clear lucite acrylic.