The Element Vanadium

Origin / Meaning of the name Vanadium
The name originated from Vanad is the Scandinavian Goddess of Beauty because the element has beautiful multi-colored chemical compounds.

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Vanadium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Vanadium 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.

The Discovery of Vanadium
Vanadium was originally discovered by the Spanish mineralogist Andres Manuel del Rio at Mexico City in 1801. Rediscovered by Nils Sefstrom of Sweden in 1830. Isolated by Henry Enfield Roscoe in 1867. 

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Vanadium Element
Properties within each individual group are similar, but nevertheless vary within a group. Generally chemical activity decreases as the period increases a non-metal group and increases as the period increases within a metal group. The first element in a group is always an active metal, the last is always an inactive non-metal.

Occurrence of the Vanadium Element
Approx. 80% of vanadium produced is used as ferrovanadium or as a steel additive
Obtained from the minerals patronite and vanadinite

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 0.0001%
% in Sun 0.00004%
% in Meteorites 0.0061%
% in Earth's Crust 0.019%
% in Oceans 1.5×10^-7%
% in Humans 3×10^-6%

Medical Uses of Vanadium - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Vanadium, Health and Treatments. Vanadium salts have been used in treating various diseases. Absorption of its compounds, usually via the lungs, causes chronic intoxication, the symptoms of which include respiratory tract irritation, pneumonitis, conjunctivitis, and anemia.