40

Zr

Zirconium
91.224 (2)
 Historical Information

Zirconium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth at 1789 in Berlin, Germany. Origin of name: from the Arabic word "zargun" meaning "gold colour". The name zircon probably originated from the arabic "zargun", which describes the colour of the gemstone now known as zircon .
Basic Information Shells
  • Name: Zirconium
  • Symbol: Zr
  • Atomic number: 40
  • Atomic weight:91.224 (2)
  • Standard state: solid at 298 K
  • Group in periodic table: 4
  • Group name:none
  • Period in periodic table: 5
  • Block in periodic table: d-block
  • Classification: Metallic
 zirconium
Uses Trivia
  • used in laser systems
  • used as a catalyst for ethene polymerization
  • yttrium aluminium garnet is a gemstone (simulated diamond)

Zirconium is a greyish-white lustrous metal. The finely divided metal can ignite spontaneously in air, especially at elevated temperatures. The solid metal is much more difficult to ignite. The inherent toxicity of zirconium compounds is low.