 Discovery Information |
| Who:
Nils Sefstrom
|
| When: 1830 |
| Where: Sweden |
|
| Name Origin |
| From Vanadis the Scandinavian goddess. |
|
| Sources |
| Vanadium is never found unbound in nature but it does occur in about 65 different minerals among which are patronite (VS4), vanadinite [Pb5(VO4)3Cl], and carnotite [K2(UO2)2(VO4)2.3H2O]. Vanadium is also present in bauxite, and in carbon containing deposits such as crude oil, coal, oil shale and tar sands. The spectra of vanadium has also been detected in light from the sun and some other stars. |
|
| Uses |
| It is mixed with other metals to make very strong and durable alloys which are used in construction materials, tools, springs and jet engines. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is used as a catalyst in manufacturing sulfuric acid , dye and color-fixer. |
|
| Notes |
| Powdered metallic vanadium is a fire hazard, and all vanadium compounds are highly toxic. Vanadium compounds may cause lung cancer if inhaled. |
