Zirconium (Zr): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Zirconium is element 40 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DZirconium quick facts
| Atomic number | 40 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Zr |
| Atomic mass | 91.224 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 4, period 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d² 5s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 |
| Discovered | 1789, Klaproth |
What is zirconium used for?
- Nuclear reactor fuel cladding
- Cubic zirconia gemstones
- High-temperature ceramics
Interesting facts about zirconium
- Zirconium is extremely transparent to neutrons. Vital for nuclear reactor fuel rod cladding
- Cubic zirconia (zirconium oxide) is virtually indistinguishable from diamond to the naked eye
- Zircon crystals (zirconium silicate) are among the oldest known Earth materials. Up to 4.4 billion years old
Zirconium was discovered in 1789 by Klaproth in Germany.
Where zirconium sits on the periodic table
Zirconium is in group 4, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Zirconium questions
What is the atomic number of zirconium?
Zirconium has atomic number 40, so every zirconium atom has 40 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Zr and its atomic mass is 91.224.
Is zirconium a metal?
Zirconium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 4, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of zirconium?
The electron configuration of zirconium is [Kr] 4d² 5s². Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 10, 2.
What is zirconium used for?
Zirconium is used for nuclear reactor fuel cladding, cubic zirconia gemstones and high-temperature ceramics.
Who discovered zirconium?
Zirconium was discovered in 1789 by Klaproth in Germany.
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