Interesting Facts About Tantalum

A heavy and hard grayish silver metal, the element tantalum, atomic number 73, has found many uses over the years both in its pure form and in a variety of alloys. Its high melting point and immunity to most acids make it valuable in the fields of electronics, industry and medicine.

History

• While tantalum was first discovered in 1802, it was not separated into its pure form until 1907; in fact, it was not until 1844 that it was even found to be a separate element and not just a different form of niobium, as first believed. Because of its similarity to niobium, which it is almost always found with in nature, it was given the name tantalum; in Greek mythology, Tantalus was the father of Niobe.

Production

• Most tantalum is found in Australia, Brazil, Mozambique, Thailand, Portugal, Nigeria, Zaire and Canada in combination with other elements in formations such as tantalite and columbite. It is also occurs as a byproduct of tin extraction. Its separation from these other elements requires several complicated steps.

Uses in Industry

• Tantalum is used in jet aircraft engines.

  Considered to be one of the hardest of the metals, tantalum has found a ready use in industrial applications. It is used in everything from aluminum production to equipment used in other chemical processes. When combined with carbon, it forms tantalum carbide, which is often used in nuclear reactors. It can also be found in equipment used in a variety of cutting tools, jet aircraft engine components and missile parts.

Uses in Electronics

• Glass made from tantalum is used in camera lenses.

  Tantalum also has been used to make special glass with a high index of refraction needed for some of the best camera lenses. Tantalum in a powder form is highly sought after in the production of electronic components and vacuum tubes. DVD players, flat-screen consoles, cell phones and battery chargers are just a few items that make use of this element. Since it does not react with air, tantalum also provides a suitable coating for more reactive elements found in these devices.

Medical Uses

• Knee replacements are often composed of tantalum.

  Because of its complete nonreactivity to body fluid and its nonirritating properties, tantalum is highly valued in the medical field. Tantalum is used to make high-grade surgical instruments as well as rods that are attached to broken bones and skull plates. When formed into a wire mesh, it can also be used to repair nerves and muscles. Tantalum is often used in joint replacements and prostheses because of its durability and strength; in addition, its somewhat porous qualities allow it to compare favorably with the bone it replaces. In some knee replacement surgeries, it has even been used to reconstruct the tibia. It is also used in hearing aids and pacemakers.