Overview

Zirconium is a lustrous, gray transition metal valued for corrosion resistance, low neutron absorption and high melting point.

Properties

It forms stable oxides, has good mechanical properties at high temperatures and commonly exhibits a +4 oxidation state.

Occurrence and Uses

Zirconium is used in nuclear cladding, chemical processing equipment, refractory materials and advanced ceramics and is derived from zircon mineral.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotopes include Zr 90 to Zr 96; zirconium metal is generally corrosion resistant though fine powders can be reactive and require handling controls.