Technical advances of the space age have increased the demands for cesium compounds, which were considered to be only laboratory curiosities not too many years ago. In order to meet the increased demands for cesium compounds, major deposits of pollucite ore amounting to 350,000 tons and containing 20–25% cesium oxide have been developed in Rhodesia and in Canada within the past eight years. Pollucite ore processing and cesium purification processing—including direct reduction of the ore, alkaline roast, and acid digestion followed by recrystallization, solvent extraction, ion exchange, ore and cesium metal distillation processes for purification of cesium chemicals—have been developed to assure a continuous supply of high-purity cesium chemicals for current and anticipated future requirements. Technical-grade product purity of 99% minimum for cesium salts produced on a commercial scale has been achieved through the process development and improved product handling techniques developed for the growing market.