Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive actinide with potential use in alternative nuclear fuel cycles and diverse industrial applications.
Properties of Thorium | It typically exhibits a +4 oxidation state, forms stable oxides and has a long half life making it a persistent environmental radionuclide.
Uses of Thorium | Found in monazite and other minerals, thorium has been used in high temperature ceramics, mantles and is studied for thorium based nuclear reactors.
Isotopes of Thorium | Thorium 232 is long lived and weakly radioactive; handling and disposal require radiological controls and consideration of long term environmental stewardship.