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Zirconium is a chemical element in the modern periodic table that is assigned the symbol Zr and has the atomic number 40. A lustrous gray-white, strong transition metal that resembles titanium, zirconium is obtained chiefly from zircon and is very corrosion resistant. Zirconium is primarily used in nuclear reactors due to its resistance to corrosion and low neutron cross-section.

Notable characteristics


It is a grayish-white metal, lustrous and exceptionally corrosion resistant. Zirconium is lighter than steel and its hardness is similar to copper. When it is finely divided, the metal can spontaneously ignite in air, especially at high temperatures (it is much more difficult to ignite the solid metal). Zirconium zinc alloy becomes magnetic at temperatures below 35 K. Oxidation states of zirconium include +4, although +3 and +2 can be obtained.

Applications


The major end uses of zircon (ZrSiO4) are refractories, foundry sands, and is also used in high strength lacrosse sticks (including investment casting), and ceramic opacification. Zircon is also marketed as a natural gemstone used in jewelry, and its oxide is processed to produce the diamond simulant, cubic zirconia. Other uses:

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