Physical and chemical characteristics:
- Latin name Niccolum;
- a chemical element of Group VIII in Mendeleev's periodic table;
- Atomic number 28;
- Atomic weight 58.69
- A silvery-white metal
- Density 8.90 g/cmi
- Melting point 1,455°C;
- Ferromagnetic (Curie point 358°C);
- Very resistant to the effects of air and water.
History:
Nickel is known to have been discovered in 1751. As recently as a hundred years ago, it was still considered to be a worthless variety of copper. Miners in south-eastern Germany mistook a mixture of nickel and arsenic for copper. The name of the metal comes from the German word "Nickel" which was the name given to an evil spirit who was reputed to interfere with the work of miners.
Uses:
Nickel is used in the production of stainless steel (around 70%), nickel alloys (14%), rechargeable batteries, powder metallurgy and chemistry (as a catalyst), as well as for anti-corrosive covering (nickel plating).
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