Geology Reports⌕ Search
Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70045868

Mineral resource of the month: zirconium and hafnium

Joseph Gambogi
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Zirconium and hafnium are corrosion-resistant metals that are grouped in the same family as titanium on the periodic table. The two elements commonly occur in oxide and silicate minerals and have significant economic importance in everything from ink, ceramics and golf shoes to nuclear fuel rods.

Explore related subjects

GeotimesArticle

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Joseph Gambogi. 2007. Mineral resource of the month: zirconium and hafnium. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70045868

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2008

Mineral resource of the month: arsenic

Arsenic has a long and varied history: Although it was not isolated as an element until the 13th century, it was known to the ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks in compound form in the minerals arsenopyrite, realgar and orpiment. In the 1400s, “Scheele’s Green” was first used as an arsenic pigment in wallpaper, and leached arsenic from wallpaper may have contributed to Napoleon’s death in 1821. The 1940s play and later movie, Arsenic and Old Lace, dramatizes the metal’s more sinister role. Arsenic continues to be an important mineral commodity with many modern applications.

Geotimes↗
USGS2008

Mineral resource of the month: gemstones

Humans have been intrigued by gemstones since prehistoric times. Gemstones have been valued as treasured objects throughout history by all societies in all parts of the world. The first stones known to have been used for making jewelry include amber, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, jade, jasper, lapis lazuli, pearl, rock crystal, ruby, serpentine and turquoise. These stones served as status symbols for the wealthy. Today, arguably, gems are worn more for pleasure and in appreciation of their beauty than to demonstrate wealth.

Geotimes↗