Tantalum is a rare metallic element that has a wide range of uses across many industries. But it wasn’t always so well-known. It took a while before tantalum was discovered and identified by scientists and researchers. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind the discovery of this versatile element.
History and Who Discovered Tantalum
The story of tantalum starts in 1802, Anders Ekeberg, a Swedish chemist, first isolated the element from what he thought to be niobium oxide. Niobium itself had been isolated only two years earlier by Charles Hatchett, an English chemist who worked for the British Geological Society. Ekeberg named his new element “tantalum” after Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology who was punished by being sentenced to stand in water with food just out of reach.
Ekeberg’s work was largely forgotten until 1846, when another Swedish chemist, Johan Gadolin, confirmed that tantalum and niobium were indeed two different elements. However, it wasn’t until 1866 that Robert Bunsen and Carl Auer von Welsbach successfully separated the two elements into pure forms.
Modern Day Applications
Since then, tantalum has become increasingly valuable due to its ability to resist corrosion and high heat tolerance—it can withstand temperatures up to 4500°F! In addition to these properties, tantalum is also malleable and ductile, making it suitable for use in many manufacturing applications such as electronics components, aircraft parts and medical equipment.
Interesting facts about tantalum
- Discovered in 1802
- Tantalum was first discovered in 1802 by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekeberg.
- Named after a Greek Mythology character
- Ekeberg named the new element tantalum after the Greek mythological character Tantalus, who was punished in Hades by being given food and water that receded when he tried to consume them.
- Is found in minerals such as columbite and tantalite
- Tantalum is found in minerals such as columbite and tantalite. It is also found in smaller quantities in other minerals such as euxenite, pyrochlore, and xenotime.
- Produced commercially from 1903 onwards
- Tantalum was first produced commercially in 1903.
- Used in making electronic capacitors
- One of the primary uses for tantalum is in the production of electronic capacitors. Capacitors are devices that store electrical energy and are found in a variety of electronic devices, including radios, televisions, and computers.
- Also used in making surgical implants
- Tantalum is also used in the production of surgical implants, such as hip replacements. This is because tantalum is non-reactive and will not cause an immune response when implanted into the body.
- Prices increased dramatically in 2000s due to conflict mineral trade
- The price of tantalum increased dramatically in the early 2000s due to the conflict mineral trade. Tantalum is often mined in areas where there is conflict, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, and profits from its sale have been used to fund rebel groups. As a result, many companies have made an effort to source their tantalum from conflict-free mines
Why is tantalum important?
- Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. Tantalum is used in a variety of applications, including electronic components, surgical instruments, and chemical processing equipment.
- Tantalum is found in small quantities in a variety of minerals, including tantalite, columbite, and euxenite. It is typically mined as a by-product of other mining operations. Once extracted, tantalum is separated from other materials using a variety of methods, including gravity separation, magnetic separation, and flotation.
- Tantalum has a number of unique properties that make it ideal for use in a variety of applications. For example, tantalum has a high melting point and can withstand high temperatures without deforming. Additionally, tantalum is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in environments where other materials would quickly degrade.
- One of the most important uses for tantalum is in the production of electronic components. Tantalum capacitors are used in a variety of electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, and televisions. Tantalum capacitors are smaller and more efficient than other types of capacitors, making them ideal for use in portable electronic devices.
- Tantalum is also used in the production of surgical instruments and chemical processing equipment. The unique properties of tantalum make it ideal for use in these applications as it can withstand high temperatures and corrosive chemicals without being damaged
Conclusion
Tantalum is an incredibly useful element thanks to its unique properties, which make it resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding high temperatures. Its discovery dates back to 1802 when Anders Ekeberg was able to isolate the element from what he thought was niobium oxide; however, it took 64 years before Robert Bunsen and Carl Auer von Welsbach were able to separate the two elements into pure forms. Today, tantalum is used in various industries, including electronics manufacturing and aerospace engineering, because of its incredible properties, making it an invaluable material for many applications.
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
