Zirconium is a silvery-white transition metal with a melting point of 1,855 degrees Celsius. It is hard and resists corrosion. It is also highly heat resistant. Zirconium was first identified in 1789 when its oxide was separated from gold colored zircon by Martin Klaproth.

Zirconium is a versatile and important element. It finds its way into nuclear power plants where it is used in control rods to absorb neutrons. It can also be used to make strong ceramics. They are used for various applications from knives to crucibles to golf irons.