Important Facts on Vanadium

Vanadium was mistaken for impure chromium when first discovered, according to Los Alamos National Labs. The element was not correctly identified until 1830, by a chemist named Sefstrom. Vanadium of 99.3 percent to 99.8 percent purity was found in 1922.

Sources

A total of 65 minerals contain vanadium, including roscoelite, carnotite, patronite, and vanadinite. It is also present in some iron ores and phosphate rock.

Properties

Pure vanadium is a soft, ductile, bright white metal. The element has good corrosion resistance, but oxidizes at temperatures over 660 degrees C.

Uses

About 80 percent of vanadium that is produced is used as a steel additive or as ferrovanadium. It adds rust resistance to steel used to make tools.

Handling

Vanadium and its compounds are toxic to humans. Handle this element carefully.

Cost

Ductile vanadium can be bought commercially. To buy 95 percent pure vanadium costs about $20 per ounce, while at 99.9 percent purity it costs about $100 per ounce, according to the Los Alamos labs.

References

• Vanadium

Resources

• Web Elements