Dec 16, 2014· Uranium metal is called pyrophoric because uranium dust and small bits e.g. present in filings ignite by themselves in air. However, uranium pieces as small as 25 mm long and 3.2 mm in diameter only burn (i.e. totally oxidize) when heated artificially [20.5.4]. They do not support the fire even if the melting point (1130C) is surpassed.
