Overview
Cadmium is a soft, bluish white metal used historically in batteries, plating and pigments.
Properties
It is malleable, forms stable +2 compounds and has low melting point relative to many transition metals.
Occurrence and Uses
Cadmium is recovered from zinc ores and used in rechargeable batteries, coatings and specialty alloys though use has declined due to toxicity.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope Cd 114 and others exist; cadmium is toxic and carcinogenic with strict occupational and environmental controls.