Hafnium is a silvery-gray transition metal that is similar to Zirconium. However, it has a much higher melting point than Zirconium with it being 2233 degrees Celsius. It was discovered in 1983 by Dirk Coster and George de Hevesy who used X-rays to find traces of Hafnium in Zirconium ores. 

Hafnium shares similar applications to Zirconium in the nuclear industry. In addition, Hafnium has a few other uses. It is used in alloys which need to have a high melting point, plasma welding torches, and gas turbines.