Uranium

Natural uranium is a silver-colored radioactive metal. It is composed primarily of three forms (isotopes) of uranium, namely uranium-234, uranium-235, and uranium-238 which is the most abundant (>99%). Uranium-235 is radioactive, and is important for nuclear reactors. An industrial process (enrichment) can be used to increase the percent of uranium-235. The uses include: in nuclear energy as a fuel for nuclear reactors; and as depleted uranium (natural uranium depleted of uranium-235) in the manufacture of armor piercing ammunition for the military, in initial guidance devices and gyro compasses, as radiation shielding material and x-ray targets. Uranium dioxide is used to extend the lives of incandescent lamps used for photography and motion pictures. Uranium compounds are used in photography for toning; in the leather and wood industries for stains and dyes; and in silk and wood industries as mordants. Uranium carbide is used as a catalyst for the production of synthetic ammonia.