Promethium
Promethium is a synthetic radioactive chemical element that has the symbol Pm on the periodic table. It has the atomic number 61 which means it has 61 protons in its atom. It is the only synthetic element in the Lanthanide group as all its isotopes are radioactive. Together with Technetium, these are the only two radioactive elements below lead. Most Promethium is artificially produced. The longest-living isotope of promethium is 145Pm, with a half-life of 17.7 years.
Uses
Promethium is used in the illuminated digits of some clocks, its Beta Radiation may be used to measure thickness.
Promethium Media
Solution containing Pm3+ ions
Uraninite, a uranium ore and the host for most of Earth's promethium
Jacob A. Marinsky
Larry E. Glendenin
Charles D. Coryell M.I.T. May 1947
