Zirconium metal ingot - one troy ounce - .974 bullion
Named after zircon, it's most commercially important mineral source, which in turn comes from zargun, meaning gold colored in Persian, zirconium is a lustrous, highly corrosion resistant transition metal. The element zirconium is not found in this metallic form in nature. The mineral zircon was not known to contain a new element until 1789 when discovered by the German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth. Coincidentally he discovered uranium that same year.
Zircon, of which about 80% of annual production comes from Australia and South Africa, has many direct industrial applications and only a small fraction of it is ever converted to Zirconium. Zirconium is nearly transparent to thermal neutrons and given high corrosion resistance and melting point is ideal for use in the claddings of nuclear reactor fuel cells. Hafnium is used for the opposite purpose in nuclear facilities given exceptional efficiency in absorbing thermal neutrons and thus is used in nuclear reactor control rods. These two metals are often found together and are exceedingly difficult to completely separate given their great chemical similarities. Our zirconium ingots thus have a small hafnium impurity and thus are a little less pure than our other ingots. Conversely our hafnium ingots have a small zirconium impurity. Zirconium powder is pyrophoric and has uses in explosive weapons. It also is used in the high temperature components of jet engines and space vehicles, surgical steel and other specialty alloys, and in medicine including PET imaging, dialysis systems, and in medications.
Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (Zr), purity (97.4%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. There can be tiny edge dings, light surface scratches, and other tiny imperfections. Weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. It's powder for can ignite in air, though the solid form we supply is considered safe. As we suggest with all of our metals please keep in a safe place, do not ingest, and keep out of the reach of children.
Each ingot will be shipped with an assay certificate and with our velvet logo bag for storage. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $199 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $199 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office.