Atomic number 40
Zirconium
Transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 91.224
- Group
- 4
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.33
- Common ox. states
- +4
Properties
Electron configuration
[Kr] 4d² 5s²
- Ionization energy
- 640.1 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 41.1 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 2128.00 K (1854.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 4682.00 K (4408.9 °C)
How dangerous is it?
2/5 · Caution
As a solid this metal is so safe and body-friendly it is used in medical implants. Its fine powder, though, catches fire very easily.
- FlammableImmediate
Zirconium dust is pyrophoric, meaning it can ignite on its own in air and burns fiercely. (as a fine powder, not the solid)
The powder is kept wet or under inert gas; the solid metal is handled freely.
How it bonds
Zirconium parallels titanium: dominant +4 state (ZrO₂, zirconia - used in ceramic knives and fake diamonds). Almost transparent to neutrons, so used as a fuel-rod cladding in nuclear reactors.
