40
Zirconium
Atomic Number40
Atomic Mass91.224 u
CategoryTransition Metal
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1789
About Zirconium
Highly resistant to corrosion and used in nuclear reactor fuel rods. Cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant made from zirconium oxide. Zircon crystals are the oldest known minerals on Earth at 4.4 billion years. Used in surgical instruments and dental implants. The name comes from the Persian word zargun meaning gold-colored.
More Transition Metals
21
Scandium
Named after Scandinavia where it was discovered. Used in aerospace alloys with a...
22
Titanium
As strong as steel but 45% lighter. Highly resistant to corrosion, even against ...
23
Vanadium
Used to make steel alloys stronger and lighter. Vanadium redox flow batteries st...
24
Chromium
Gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance and rubies their red color. Chrom...