Dating simple igneous rocks The rubidium–strontium pair is ideally suited for the isochron dating of igneous rocks. As a liquid rock cools, first one mineral and then another achieves saturation and precipitates, each extracting specific elements in the process.

What does rubidium decay into?

strontium-87 It readily substitutes for potassium in minerals, and is therefore fairly widespread. Rb has been used extensively in dating rocks; 87Rb decays to stable strontium-87 by emission of a negative beta particle, i.e. an electron ejected from the nucleus.

How was rubidium named?

Rubidium is the second most reactive metal and is very soft, with a silvery-white lustre. Rubidium was discovered (1861) spectroscopically by German scientists Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff and named after the two prominent red lines of its spectrum. Rubidium and cesium often occur together in nature.

What unit is decay constant?

The decay constant (symbol: λ and units: s−1 or a−1) of a radioactive nuclide is its probability of decay per unit time.

Is rubidium worth more than gold?

The collector will note that rubidium is probably the most difficult of the naturally occurring and stable elements to acquire. And gram for gram it is much more expensive than gold - at least as prepared for lab use such as in this tiny ampule containing about 100 milligrams.

Which is more expensive diamond or gold?

As with any precious metal or stone, rarity is the principal indicator of worth. The more rare the material, the greater its perceived value, hence the more extortionate the price. Diamonds are more expensive than gold, even though they are far less rare than gold.