Zirconium.

zirconium In its free state, it is a brilliant metal. Free of impurities, zirconium is plastic and easily amenable to hot and cold processing. One of the most valuable properties of zirconium is its high resistance against corrosion in various environments.

Chemical element IV of the periodic system of Mendeleev. Named for the mineral zircon. Silver-white metal, hard, refractory. Chemically very resistant (in the air covered with a protective film ZrO2). Industrial sources are minerals zircon and baddeleite. Zirconium-based alloys are structural materials in nuclear energy. Zirconium is also included in alloys for the manufacture of chemical equipment, surgical instruments, and so on. Some zirconium alloys are superconductors. Super-refractory carbide (t float. 3800 ° C), boride and zirconium nitride are materials for heat-resistant ceramics.

It was discovered by M. Claprot in 1789.

The content in the earth's crust is 0.025 % by mass.