Zirconium is a shiny silver-grey metal. It is highly ductile and extremely resistant to corrosion and heat. Its symbol in the periodic table is Zr, and its atomic number is 40. It melts at 1855 degrees Celsius (°C) and boils at 4409 °C, and it is not corroded by acids, alkalis or seawater.
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), or zirconia, is an advanced ceramic material most commonly used in the production of different types of hard ceramics. This material is most widely used for production of various dental implants due to its hardness, chemical unreactivity, and its various biocompatible aspects.
Zirconium is a chemical element; it has symbol Zr and atomic number 40. The name zirconium is derived from the name of the mineral zircon, the most important source of zirconium. The word is related to Persian zargun (zircon; zar-gun, "gold-like" or "as gold").
The element zirconium boasts a rich history, intertwined with scientific curiosity and technological advancements. Its journey began in 1789, when a German chemist named Martin Heinrich Klaproth stumbled upon an intriguing mineral while analyzing zircon gemstones. This mineral, later named zirconia, held a hidden secret: a previously unknown element.
Over the next several decades, scientists like Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Humphry Davy attempted to isolate this element, facing challenges due to its similarity to other elements. Finally, in 1824, Berzelius successfully extracted zirconium in an impure form. The pure metal, however, remained elusive until the early 20th century, when advancements in technology allowed for its isolation.
This remarkable story highlights the ongoing quest for scientific knowledge and the power of collaboration. It also serves as a testament to the fascinating properties of zirconium, which have since found applications in diverse fields, from medicine to nuclear energy.
Zirconium compounds are used in ceramics, abrasives, lamp filaments, jet engines and space shuttle parts. In the medical field, zirconium dioxide, also known as zirconia, is applied as a material for dental and surgical implants due to its biocompatibility and durability.