Atomic number: 40
Category: transition metal
Density at 25°C: solid: 6.52 g·cm−3
Most zirconium is used in compounds for high temperature applications like in ceramics of crucibles for heating, both big and small. But it also is used for adding a white opacity to substances.
The name Zirconium is from the Persian word "zargun - زرگون", meaning "gold colored"
Use, natural applications or common combinations:
- aerospace applications for high temperatures
- Sand paper abrasives
- Zircon and jewellry
- Standard atomic weight: 91.224(2)
- Melting point: 1855 °C
- Boiling point: 4409 °C
- Radioactivity: most naturally stable
- 89Zr being used as PET scanning with halflife of 78.4 hours