Element 40 · Transition Metal
Zirconium
Zirconium is the corrosion-resistant metal of nuclear reactor fuel rod cladding — and dental ceramics.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Zr
ATOMIC NO.
40
ATOMIC WEIGHT
91.22
CATEGORY
Transition Metal
PERIOD
Period 5
GROUP
Group 4
Background
Zirconium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in zircon (zirconium silicate) gemstones, and first isolated in reasonably pure form by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824 by reduction of potassium hexafluorozirconate. Named after the mineral zircon, which itself derives from the Arabic or Persian words for gold-coloured. Zirconium’s critical nuclear application was identified in the 1950s: its exceptionally low neutron-capture cross-section makes nuclear-grade zirconium alloy (Zircaloy) the material of choice for nuclear fuel rod cladding in water-cooled reactors worldwide.
The Basics
Zirconium is element 40, a hard silvery transition metal. Most prized property: extremely low neutron absorption cross-section, making it the standard cladding material for nuclear fuel rods.
Industrial Uses
Nuclear reactor fuel rod cladding (Zircaloy alloys). Chemical plant pipework handling aggressive acids. Dental crowns and implants. Foundry sand binders. Zirconium dioxide (zirconia) ceramics.
Scrap Viability
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Zirconium:
Zirconium scrap from nuclear applications is highly regulated and goes to specialist nuclear waste handlers. Zirconium ceramic items have insufficient metal content for general scrap recovery. The element is not commercially viable for scrap-yard handling.
What It's Worth
Zirconium metal (nuclear grade) trades at approximately £30–60/kg. Zircon sand (industrial grade) at £900–1,500/tonne. While zirconium appears as a trace element in some scrap, it is not recovered at standard scrap yards.