Discovery
Discovered by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1828.
Common Uses
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Nuclear fuel in reactors
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Manufacture of high-quality lenses
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Alloying element in magnesium
Interesting Facts
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Thorium is more abundant in Earth's crust than uranium.
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It has potential as a safer alternative to uranium in nuclear reactors.
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Thorium dioxide has the highest melting point of any oxide.
Back to Periodic Table