Californium (Cf) is one of the most mysterious and rare elements in the periodic table. Synthesized artificially in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley, it was named after the state and the university where it was discovered. Here are some facts that make it unique:
1. Record-breaking cost. Californium-252, its most stable isotope, is considered one of the most expensive substances on Earth. The price per gram reaches $27 million. For comparison, this is tens of thousands of times more expensive than gold.
2. Powerful neutron source. Just 1 microgram of Cf-252 generates about 170 million neutrons per second. This property is used in medicine for cancer radiation therapy, in industry to detect metal defects, and in oil exploration to analyze reservoir composition.
3. Short lifespan. The half-life of Cf-252 is only 2.6 years, making it extremely difficult to store. However, its rapid energy release enables its use in compact neutron sources.
4. Synthesized in tiny amounts. Throughout history, no more than 10 grams of californium have been produced. It is created in nuclear reactors by irradiating curium, a process that takes years.
See also: The Astonishing Properties of Dicyanine Glass
5. Role in science. Californium has been used to synthesize new elements, such as oganesson (element 118). It also helps study the properties of superheavy atomic nuclei.
Despite its dangerous radioactivity, californium remains indispensable in high-tech industries. Its history reminds us that even minuscule amounts of a substance can change our world.