Isotopes of californium projectiles, mortar projectiles, rockets, bombs, land mines, and improvised explosive devices (IED). In the oil industry, Cf-252 neutron sources are used to find layers of petroleum and water in a well. Instrumentation is lowered into the well which bombards the formation with high energy neutrons to determine porosity, permeability, and hydrocarbon presence along the length of the borehole. Californium-252 has also been used in the treatment of serious forms of cancer. In patients suffering from certain types of brain and cervical cancer, Cf-252 can be used as a more cost-effective substitute for radium. Isotopes of californium Californium (Cf) is an
Californium(III) polyborate elements emit α particles, gamma rays and neutrons. Californium(III) polyborate Californium polyborate is a covalent compound with formula Cf[BO(OH)]. In this compound the californium is in a +3 oxidation state. Californium polyborate is unusual in that californium is covalently bound to the borate. Californium was expected to resemble lanthanide elements in being highly ionic. The polyborate anion is polarisable and flexible. The 5f, 6d, 7s, and 7p orbitals of californium are all involved on the bonding. Most valence electrons are in the 5f orbital, and a significant fraction () in the 6d orbital, and smaller fractions of one electron are