Nickel is a valuable and useful metal, used in alloys and plating to resist corrosion. It has a silvery gray appearance, is ductile, and was first isolated in 1751. It can cause contact dermatitis and lung irritation, and should be handled with proper protection.
Nickel is a metallic chemical element, classified among the transition metals in the periodic table of elements. Humans have used this metal in alloys for thousands of years, as traces in ancient statues and weapons indicate, although they may not have been aware of the element’s precise properties. There are a number of commercial applications for nickel, making it a very valuable and useful metal; several companies specializing in the extraction and processing of ore, along with other metallic elements.
Pure nickel has a silvery gray appearance and can be polished to a brilliant shine. The metal is also ferromagnetic and very ductile, meaning it can be easily melted and worked. It is relatively hard and strong, making it a great addition to alloys with softer or more brittle metals. On the periodic table of elements it is identified with the symbol Ni and has atomic number 28.
The word comes from the German kupfernickel, which literally means “the copper of the devil”. This is a reference that the ore can resemble copper ore, leading some people to compare the ore to the devil’s work or deception. This mineral was used in pottery glazes before its properties were fully understood, as it created a distinctive greenish-blue color. The element was first isolated in 1751 by Alex Fredrik Cronstedt, who was actually trying to get copper, but ran out of nickel.
Because nickel resists corrosion and is relatively strong, many people use it in alloys; stainless steel, for example, often contains this metal. It is also used to plate other metals to ensure they are protected from corrosion. The metal has also traditionally been used to replace silver in coins; American nickel currency, for example, once contained a large amount of the metal, although this is no longer the case. It is sometimes mixed into glass when a distinctive green color is desired.
While nickel is generally not toxic, the element carries some precautions. Many people experience contact dermatitis when exposed to this metal, making it a poor choice for jewelry alloys. The fumes and dust can also be very harmful, causing infections and lung irritation. People who work with metal, especially nickel sulphide, should always wear proper face and mouth protection to stay healthy. Gases that contain nickel are also extremely toxic and should be avoided.
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