Strontium
Strontium is number 38 and has the chemical symbol Sr. In the same group as Magnesium and Calcium, Strontium is one of the Alkali Earth Metals. Strontium is very reactive with both water and air and therefore doesn't exist naturally in its elemental form. When isolated the metal is a silvery grey colour, however it reacts in air to give a yellowish coloured compound.
It was discovered in Scotland and it is named after the village - Strontian where it was discovered.
Students come across Strontium in their studies because when burned its salts give a characteristic red colour. This characteristic or trait also mean that it is commonly used in fireworks to give a red colour.
Below are links to a couple of video clips showing strontium salts burning with their characteristic red flame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vltFchuGi0Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGd-bCpLDvE&feature=related
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