Name       : Zirconium
Symbol     : Zr
Atomic #   : 40
Atom weight: 91.22
Melting P. : 1852
Boiling P. : 4377
Oxidation  : +4
Pronounced : zer-KO-ni-em
From       : Named for the mineral, zircon
Identified : Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789
Appearance : Gray-white, lustrous, corrosion-resistant metal
Note       : Extremely similar to hafnium
             
[Properties]

  Zirconium reacts with the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere to form
a protective film that prevents further corrosion of the metal. This is not
to say that zirconium is a metal that is prone to destruction by natural
elements, though. On the contrary, zirconium, even without its protective
film of oxide and nitride, is resistant to weak acids. It is, in fact,
known in industry as a tough, corrosion-resistant metal that is suitable
for use in high-performance pumps and valves.
  Zirconium becomes superconductive when alloyed with niobium.
