Difference between revisions of "Zirconium"
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Revision as of 18:28, November 19, 2008
| 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 metal 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. [1]
Cubic zirconia, a form of synthetic diamonds, is crystalline zirconium oxide (ZrO2).
References
- ↑ Zirconium, Los Alamos National Labs.