Zr
Zirconium
Atomic number: 40Mass: 91.224 uCategory: Transition Metal
About Zirconium
Zirconium is a lustrous, greyish-white, soft, ductile and malleable metal. It is exceptionally resistant to corrosion. Zirconium dioxide (cubic zirconia) is used as a diamond substitute in jewellery.
Properties
Period
5
Group
4
Block
D
Category
Transition Metal
Electronegativity
1.33 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
640.1 kJ/mol
Melting Point
2128 K (1855°C)
Boiling Point
4682 K (4409°C)
Density
6.52 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+4
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d² 5s²
[Kr] 4d² 5s²
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:10e⁻
Shell 5:2e⁻
Real-World Uses
Nuclear fuel rods
Cubic zirconia jewellery
Ceramics
Heat-resistant coatings
Surgical tools
Fun Fact
Cubic zirconia, the fake diamond used in jewellery, is made from zirconium dioxide — it's visually almost indistinguishable from real diamond!