alkaline earth metals

Generally silvery and malleable and good conductors of heat and electricity; they react easily with nonmetals and water.

radium

Extremely radioactive metal present in very low quantities in uranium ore; it is used mainly in medicine as a cancer treatment.

barium

Relatively abundant metal that is used especially in lubricants, pyrotechnics (fireworks), paint and radiology.

strontium

Relatively rare metal that is used especially in pyrotechnics (fireworks), the manufacture of magnets and medicine.

calcium

Metal that is one of the most essential elements in bones and teeth; it is also a component of cement, plaster and some alloys.

magnesium

Metal necessary for the growth and metabolism of most living organisms; it is also a component of aluminum alloys.

beryllium

Uncommon metal that is used especially in alloys for the aerospace industry and as a moderator in nuclear reactors.