Strontium compounds are used to produce the red colour in fireworks and signal flares. Other applications include ferrite magnets, ceramics, specialty glass, pigments and selected medical or scientific uses of strontium isotopes.

Commercial strontium is obtained mainly from celestite. The ore is converted into strontium carbonate or other salts, which can then be processed into specialised compounds or, under controlled conditions, into the metal.

Strontium metal reacts with air and water and must be stored under an inert atmosphere or suitable protective liquid. Stable strontium compounds are handled according to their chemical form; radioactive isotopes require separate radiation-protection controls.