Is Zirconium Natural Or Synthetic

Currently, more than 40 kinds of zirconium and hafnium deposits have been found, only 10 kinds of zirconium has mining industry value, only zircon and baddeleyite is used for the industrial production.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) statistics in 2015, there are 78 million tons of zirconium reserves around the world, zircon resource volume is over 60 million tons (ZrO2), Australia and South Africa have the largest share of reserves of zirconium, accounted for respectively 65.38% and 17.95%. Other zirconium reserves are relatively abundant in countries such as India, Mozambique and Indonesia.

Global zirconium production According to data released by the US Geological Survey in 2015, the global zirconium output was 1 million 540 thousand tons in 2014, a decrease of 30 thousand tons. Australia ranks first in the world with 900 thousand tons of output, accounting for 58.44% of the world's total output. Zirconium sponge is sliver grey granular metal and is of luster; melting point 1852 ℃, boiling point 4377 ℃; Zirconium can absorb hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen easily.

Uses: 1）Industrial grade zirconium sponge（Zr）：Used in aerospace, metallurgy, electronics, alloy additives, corrosion-resistant equipment, Getter and other industries and products. 2）Nuclear grade zirconium sponge（HZr）：Mainly used in the nuclear reactor of nuclear power plants and military nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear aircraft carrier. Zirconium does not absorb neutrons, making it an ideal material for use in nuclear power stations. More than 90% of zirconium is used in this way. Nuclear reactors can have more than 100,000 metres of zirconium alloy tubing. With niobium, zirconium is superconductive at low temperatures and is used to make superconducting magnets.

Zirconium metal is protected by a thin oxide layer making it exceptionally resistant to corrosion by acids, alkalis and seawater. For this reason it is extensively used by the chemical industry.

Zirconium(IV) oxide is used in ultra-strong ceramics. It is used to make crucibles that will withstand heat-shock, furnace linings, foundry bricks, abrasives and by the glass and ceramics industries. It is so strong that even scissors and knives can be made from it. It is also used in cosmetics, antiperspirants, food packaging and to make microwave filters.

Zircon is a natural semi-precious gemstone found in a variety of colours. The most desirable have a golden hue. The element was first discovered in this form, resulting in its name. Cubic zirconia (zirconium oxide) is a synthetic gemstone. The colourless stones, when cut, resemble diamonds.

Zircon mixed with vanadium or praseodymium makes blue and yellow pigments for glazing pottery.

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