Imagine a metal that neutrons pass right through — as if it weren't there at all. That's zirconium. It's the reason nuclear reactors work: fuel rod cladding is made from this metal because neutrons fly straight through, while corrosion in hot water can't touch it.
But zirconium isn't just for physicists. The mineral zircon was known to humans over 4,000 years ago. Today, cubic zirconia — a zirconium dioxide crystal — is the world's most popular diamond substitute. In dentistry, zirconia crowns are replacing metal: they're white, stronger than titanium, and cause no allergies.
Zirconium resists corrosion even in strong acids and alkalis. A thin ZrO₂ oxide film protects its surface more reliably than paint protects a car body. That's why chemical plants use zirconium for reactors and piping.
In medicine, zirconium is one of the most biocompatible materials known. The human body barely reacts to zirconium implants. Zirconia dental crowns look like natural teeth and last for decades.
Solid zirconium is safe to handle. But fine powder is another story entirely. It's pyrophoric: it ignites spontaneously in air and can explode. Powder must be stored only under water or argon. Never use water to extinguish a zirconium fire — it makes things worse. Toxicity is low, and it causes no allergic reactions.
Zirconium is 'invisible' to neutrons: its capture cross-section is just 0.18 barns. That makes it perfect for nuclear fuel cladding.
Cubic zirconia refracts light almost like diamond — 2.15 vs 2.42. Telling them apart by eye alone is nearly impossible.
The mineral zircon has been known for over 4,000 years. Its name comes from the Persian 'zargun', meaning 'golden-colored'.
Zirconium is so biocompatible that the body barely reacts to implants made from it. Ideal for dental crowns and bone prostheses.
Zirconium powder is pyrophoric — it ignites spontaneously in air. That's why it's stored under water or inert gas.
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
90Zr | 89.904704 | 51.45% | stable | — |
91Zr | 90.905646 | 11.22% | stable | — |
92Zr | 91.905041 | 17.15% | stable | — |
94Zr | 93.906315 | 17.38% | stable | — |
96Zr | 95.908273 | 2.80% | stable | — |
Analysis of zircon