Zirconium
zer-KO-ni-em
Zirconium (Zr) is a gray white metal that has the atomic number 40 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal and located in Group 4 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Zr.
Zirconium is named after the mineral Zircon which draws its name from the Persian ‘zargun’ which means gold like. Zirconium was mentioned in biblical writings but it was not until 1789 when Martin Heinrich Klaproth analysed a sample from Sri Lanka identifying an element he called Zirkonerde. It was Humphrey Davy who tried to isolate Zirconium using electrolysis in 1808 but it was in 1824when Jons Jacob Berzelius heated Zirconium Fluoride with iron to isolate the Zirconium. Zirconium is used to produce surgical equipment due to its high resistance and is used in nuclear fuel supplies. It is located in Group 4 as a Transition metal. It has a melting point of 1855°c and a boiling point of 4377°c.
FAQ's
Martin Klaproth
1789
Uses
Used in alloys such as zircaloy which is used in nuclear applications since it does not readily absorb neutrons. Also baddeleyite is used in lab crucibles. Used in high-performance pumps and valves. Clear zircon (ZrSiO4) is a popular gemstone.
Sources
Found in many minerals such as zircon and baddeleyite.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Zr
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