Zirconium By: Destiny Goodrich

Periodic Table Information Atomic Number:40 Name: Zirconium Atomic Mass: Group:#4 Period:#4

Zirconium Element

2D Picture Of Zirconium’s Atom

Physical Properties Zirconium is a very strong, malleable, ductile, lustrous silver-gray metal. Its chemical and physical properties are similar to those of titanium. Zirconium is extremely resistant to heat and corrosion. Zirconium is lighter than steel and its hardness is similar to copper. When it is finely divided, the metal can spontaneously ignite in air, especially at high temperatures. Zirconium powder is black and is regarded as very dangerous fire hazard. Zirconium does not dissolve in acids and alkalis.

Chemical Properties The inherent toxicity of zirconium compounds is low. Hafnium is invariably found in zirconium ores, and the separation is difficult. Commercial grade zirconium contains from 1 to 3% hafnium. The hafnium is removed from the zirconium used in the nuclear power industry.

Uses It’s used in jewelry and nuclear applications.

History Zirconium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth at 1789 in Berlin, Germany. Origin of name: from the Arabic word "zargun" meaning "gold colour". The name zircon was originated from the arabic "zargun", which describes the colour of the gemstone now known as zircon (ZrSiO 4 ). The minerals jargon, hyacinth, and jacinth also contain zircon and these have been known since biblical times and are mentioned in the bible in several places. The existence of a new element within these minerals was not suspected until studies by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in the late 18th century. The impure metal was first isolated by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824 who heated a mixture of potassium and potassium zirconium fluoride together in an iron tube. Pure zirconium was first prepared in 1914.

Allotropes, Isotropes, and Important Compounds.

Other Important Facts It reacts with Oxygen and Nitrogen in the Atmoshpere. It forms a film that prevents erosion. It is resistant to weak acids. It is found in S-type stars Found in the Sun.