Zirconium's exceptional corrosion resistance and low neutron absorption make it indispensable for nuclear reactors, while its biocompatibility and strength enable advanced medical implants and aerospace applications.
Zircaloy fuel cladding encases uranium fuel pellets in nuclear reactors, providing corrosion resistance in high-temperature water while allowing neutron transmission for sustained nuclear fission. Zirconium's low neutron absorption cross-section makes it ideal for reactor core components where neutron economy is critical.
Zirconium equipment handles highly corrosive chemicals including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and organic acids at temperatures and concentrations that destroy stainless steel within hours. Pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing rely on Zirconium's chemical inertness for high-purity processing.
Zirconium alloys provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios for aircraft components operating in corrosive environments. Space applications utilize Zirconium's resistance to atomic oxygen and thermal cycling in satellite structural components.
Zirconium occurs primarily in zircon (ZrSiO₄) and baddeleyite (ZrO₂) minerals. Zircon represents one of Earth's most durable minerals, surviving billions of years and providing crucial information about early Earth history and planetary formation.
Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovered zirconium in 1789 while analyzing zircon gemstones. Jöns Jakob Berzelius first isolated impure zirconium metal in 1824, though pure zirconium required development of the Kroll process in the 1940s.
Zirconium metal and most compounds exhibit low
Standard metalworking safety procedures apply for Zirconium machining and fabrication. Fire suppression systems and inert atmosphere storage prevent Zirconium powder ignition.
Essential information about Zirconium (Zr)
Zirconium is unique due to its atomic number of 40 and belongs to the Transition Metal category. With an atomic mass of 91.224000, it exhibits distinctive properties that make it valuable for various applications.
Zirconium has several important physical properties:
Melting Point: 2128.00 K (1855°C)
Boiling Point: 4682.00 K (4409°C)
State at Room Temperature: solid
Atomic Radius: 160 pm
Zirconium has various important applications in modern technology and industry:
Zirconium's exceptional corrosion resistance and low neutron absorption make it indispensable for nuclear reactors, while its biocompatibility and strength enable advanced medical implants and aerospace applications.
Zircaloy fuel cladding encases uranium fuel pellets in nuclear reactors, providing corrosion resistance in high-temperature water while allowing neutron transmission for sustained nuclear fission. Zirconium's low neutron absorption cross-section makes it ideal for reactor core components where neutron economy is critical.
Zirconium equipment handles highly corrosive chemicals including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and organic acids at temperatures and concentrations that destroy stainless steel within hours. Pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing rely on Zirconium's chemical inertness for high-purity processing.
Zirconium alloys provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios for aircraft components operating in corrosive environments. Space applications utilize Zirconium's resistance to atomic oxygen and thermal cycling in satellite structural components.
Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovered zirconium in 1789 while analyzing zircon gemstones. Jöns Jakob Berzelius first isolated impure zirconium metal in 1824, though pure zirconium required development of the Kroll process in the 1940s.
Discovered by: <div class="discovery-content"> <h3>The Gemstone Element</h3> <p><strong>Martin Heinrich Klaproth</strong> discovered zirconium in 1789 while analyzing zircon gemstones. <strong>Jöns Jakob Berzelius</strong> first isolated impure zirconium metal in 1824, though pure zirconium required development of the Kroll process in the 1940s.</p> </div>
Year of Discovery: 1789
Zirconium occurs primarily in zircon (ZrSiO₄) and baddeleyite (ZrO₂) minerals. Zircon represents one of Earth's most durable minerals, surviving billions of years and providing crucial information about early Earth history and planetary formation.
General Safety: Zirconium should be handled with standard laboratory safety precautions including protective equipment and proper ventilation.
Zirconium metal and most compounds exhibit low
Standard metalworking safety procedures apply for Zirconium machining and fabrication. Fire suppression systems and inert atmosphere storage prevent Zirconium powder ignition.