Californium
actinide · period 7 · group 3 · f-block
Californium is a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. The element was first synthesized in 1950 at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (then the University of California Radiation Laboratory), by bombarding curium with alpha particles (helium-4 ions).
What the numbers say
At standard temperature and pressure Californium is a solid, sitting in period 7, group 3 of the f-block.
Its melting point of 1173 K (900 °C) is the 55th highest of the 110 elements with a measured value — mid-range among the elements.
At 15.1 g/cm³ it is the 12th densest of 96 elements with a quoted density.
Pauling electronegativity is 1.3. Paired with oxygen (3.44) that is a difference of 2.14, which puts the bond predominantly ionic — expect a stable oxide ceramic.
In the solid state it takes a simple hexagonal structure — hexagonal packing offers few easy slip systems, so properties are anisotropic and formability is limited.
It is reported in 3 oxidation states (2, 3, 4), which sets how many distinct compounds and phases it can form.
First identified in 1950.
Crystal structure
Solid Californium adopts a Simple Hexagonal arrangement, in the Hexagonal system — axes a = b ≠ c, angles α = β = 90°, γ = 120°. Symmetry controls the anisotropy of stiffness and thermal expansion, and the available slip systems set how far the metal deforms before it fractures.
Check it against computed structures
The structure search queries the Materials Project, OQMD and the Open Materials Database for computed crystal structures containing Cf — with DFT formation energy, hull stability and band gap where the provider publishes them.
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 32 · O 28 · P 8 · Q 2
Properties
| Atomic number | 98 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 251 u |
| Series | actinide |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Density | 15.1 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1173 K (900 °C) |
| Boiling point | 1743 K (1470 °C) |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.3 |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f¹⁰ 7s² |
| Crystal structure | Simple Hexagonal |
| Oxidation states | 2,3,4 |
| Discovered | 1950 |
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See Cf in context with all 118 elements.
Working with californium in a real design?
Ask the materials chat how Cf behaves in your alloy system, what it does to weldability, and which grades to look at — with the source of every number named.