Zirconium is a highly reactive metal found in nature only in combined form, commonly isolated from the mineral zircon. It is abundant on Earth and used in alloys, ceramics, and jewelry. Zirconium is non-toxic but can cause skin and eye irritation and lung granulomas if inhaled.
Zirconium is a metallic element with atomic number 40 and symbol Zr. This highly reactive element is not found in pure form in nature and is most commonly isolated from the mineral zircon. Zircon has been used by humans for centuries for various applications and is commonly found in Australia, Russia, Brazil and the United States, among many other locations. Other minerals that contain zirconium are mined as a byproduct of the mining process in many regions of the world.
In its pure form, this metal is slightly silvery in appearance, malleable and very ductile. It is also very resistant to corrosion which makes it extremely popular in metal alloys. When an alloy needs to be corrosion resistant, adding zirconium to the mix can increase durability. This element belongs to the transition metals, a group of nearby metals on the periodic table of elements that includes palladium, silver, cobalt, copper, zinc and nickel, among many others.
Although zirconium can only be found in combined form in nature, it is very abundant on Earth. It is a common element with a number of naturally occurring isotopes that can be used in a variety of ways. Human uses of zirconium other than alloys include the ceramics industry, which uses zirconium in various ceramic compounds and glazes. The metal is also used in jewelry, with black zirconium being a popular choice for rings because it’s durable and resistant to corrosion.
This element was first identified in the late 1700s, although it took longer to successfully isolate it to show that it was a distinct chemical element. One caveat with zirconium is that when the metal is finely divided, it can be subject to spontaneous combustion, especially in hotter temperatures. As a result, care must be taken when working with metal in some settings, especially if it is being ground or pulverized.
Although zirconium is non-toxic, it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. If exposed, people should wash their skin or rinse their eyes, and it may be a good idea to see a doctor if zirconium has gotten into someone’s eyes. This element can also cause granulomas to form in the lungs when inhaled. These clusters of immune system cells form when the body reacts to foreign particles. This element does not appear to be biologically necessary, although traces are found in many organisms, including people.
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