Zirconium is a corrosion-resistant metal with low neutron absorption, making carefully purified material valuable in nuclear systems.
Atomic number
40
Category
Transition metal
Period
5
Group
4
State
Solid
Fun facts about Zirconium
Zircon mineral crystals can preserve records of very ancient geology.
Zirconium metal develops a protective oxide film.
Zirconium dioxide can form tough ceramic materials.
Common uses of Zirconium
Nuclear fuel cladding
Ceramic knives and dental materials
Chemical-process equipment
Where Zirconium sits in the periodic table
Zirconium is classified as a transition metal in period 5 and group 4 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Zr with atomic number 40 and the listed atomic mass 91.224. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.