Nickel is a Silvery-white transition metal with a melting point of 1455 degrees Celsius. It has oxidation states ranging from -1 to +4. It is relatively corrosion resistant, even at high temperatures. It was first isolated in 1751 by the Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt. It is one of 3 ferromagnetic transition metals.

Nickel is used in nickels (the coin) of which it makes up 25%. It is also used in various alloys and superalloys to make them corrosion resistant and heat resistant. It is also a good catalyst.