The Element Zirconium

Origin / Meaning of the name Zirconium
The name Zirconium originates from the Persian word 'zarkun' meaning Gold like.

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Zirconium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Zirconium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and Discovery of the Zirconium Element
Zirconium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789. It was first isolated in 1824 by Jons Jakob Berzelius by heating a mixture of Potassium and potassium zirconium fluoride.

Occurrence of the Zirconium Element
Located in USA, Australia, Brazil, India and Russia
Source of zirconium is the zirconium silicate mineral, zircon and baddeleyite

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 5×10^-6%
% in Sun 4×10^-6%
% in Meteorites 0.00066%
% in Earth's Crust 0.013%
% in Oceans 2.6×10^-9%
% in Humans 5×10^-6%

Medical Uses of Zirconium - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Zirconium, Health and Treatments. A component of zirconium dioxide was once used in some ointments for the treatment of poison ivy skin rashes, however these ointments caused skin granulomas in some individuals A granuloma is a small area of inflammation due to tissue injury. Similar skin conditions also developed in individuals using deodorants containing zirconium sodium lactate. Subsequently the use of zirconium compounds, except for zirconyl hydroxychloride, has been discontinued in the manufacture of skin ointments. Zirconyl hydroxychloride is still used in antiperspirants.