Thorium (Th): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Thorium is element 90 on the periodic table, an actinide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DThorium quick facts
| Atomic number | 90 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Th |
| Atomic mass | 232.038 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 6d² 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 10, 2 |
| Discovered | 1828, Berzelius |
What is thorium used for?
- Thorium fuel cycle reactors (emerging)
- Gas mantle lanterns (ThO₂)
- High-strength magnesium alloys
Interesting facts about thorium
- Thorium is about 3 to 4× more abundant than uranium and could fuel breeder reactors
- Thorium oxide has the highest melting point of any oxide (about 3,300°C)
- India is developing thorium reactors to use its enormous thorium ore reserves
Thorium was discovered in 1828 by Berzelius in Sweden.
Where thorium sits on the periodic table
Thorium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Thorium questions
What is the atomic number of thorium?
Thorium has atomic number 90, so every thorium atom has 90 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Th and its atomic mass is 232.038.
Is thorium a metal?
Thorium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an actinide, found in the actinide series (period 7).
What is the electron configuration of thorium?
The electron configuration of thorium is [Rn] 6d² 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 10, 2.
What is thorium used for?
Thorium is used for thorium fuel cycle reactors (emerging), gas mantle lanterns (tho₂) and high-strength magnesium alloys.
Who discovered thorium?
Thorium was discovered in 1828 by Berzelius in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.