Alkaline Earth Metals

Reactive metals found in Group 2, forming alkaline solutions when combined with water. Less reactive than alkali metals.

Discovery Period: Late 18th to early 20th century (1774-1950)

Characteristics

• • Shiny, silvery-white metals
• • Reactive but less than alkali metals
• • Two electrons in outer shell
• • Form +2 ions
• • Higher melting points than alkali metals
• • Found in earth minerals