What is zirconium?

摘要

Zirconium (Zr) is a metallic element with atomic number 40. Its atomic weight is 91.22. One of the transition elements, or chemical elements that share similar electron orbital structures and therefore similar chemical properties, it was discovered in 1789 by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth. In its pure state, it is either crystalline (appearing as a soft, white, ductile metal) or amorphous (taking the form of a bluish-black powder). It melts at 3,362 degrees F (1,852 degrees C) and boils at 7,911 degrees F (4,377 degrees C).