Zirconium

Zirconium
Properties
Atomic symbol	Zr
Atomic number	40
Atomic mass	91.22
Other Information
Date of discovery	1789
Name of discoverer	Klaproth
Name origin	Zircon
Uses	Nuclear power
Obtained from	Zircon mineral

Zirconium is a metallic element with a grayish-white metallic luster. It is primarily derived from zircon (ZrSi₄), a mineral mentioned in the Bible. It is highly resistant to corrosion.

Zirconium is primarily used in the nuclear power industry, thanks to its low absorption of neutrons, the high energy particle from which nuclear power is generated. Commercial nuclear reactors may have as many as a half-million feet of zirconium tubing.

Cubic zirconia, a form of synthetic diamonds, is crystalline zirconium oxide (ZrO₂).