Zirconium, also known as Zr on the Periodic Table, was first discovered as an element by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789, in Berlin, in a sample of zircon (zirconium silicate) from Sri Lanka. He called the new oxide ‘Zirconerde.’ Although Sir Humphrey Davy was the first to attempt to, Jons J. Berzelius was the first to isolate the metal in 1824, in Stockholm, Sweden. He produced zirconium as an amorphous black powder. The element name comes from the Persian word ‘zargun’ meaning gold-like.

Atomic Number: 40

Atomic Mass: 91.224

Protons: 40

Neutrons: 51

Electrons: 40

The stable isotopes of Zircomium are Zr-90, Zr-91, Zr-92 Zr-94, and Zr-96.

Zirconium is produced from the mineral zircon. Lunar rocks have a high zircon content. It is found abundantly in S-type stars and has been identified in the sun and meteorites. Zirconium can also be present in at least 30 other recognized mineral species. Zirconium mineral deposits are found all over the world too.

Several major uses of Zirconium are gemstones, surgical appliances, photo flash bulbs, and poison ivy lotion.

Fun Facts

Zirconium is a transition metal with a greyish white color.

Several zirconium-rich minerals, including jargon and hyacinth, have been in use since biblical times and are mentioned in the Bible.

Bibliography

http://www.chemicool.com/elements/zirconium.html

https://www.webelements.com/zirconium/isotopes.html

http://www.livescience.com/34610-zirconium.html

http://www.softschools.com/facts/periodic_table/zirconium_facts/218/