Cronstedt

Axel Fredrik Cronstedt (1722–1765) was a Swedish mineralogist and chemist notable for the discovery of nickel. In 1751, while examining ore from Falun long mistaken for copper ore (kupfernickel), he extracted a metal that was not copper. He identified it as a new element and named it nickel, drawing on the ore’s German name Kupfernickel, which translates to "devil's copper." Cronstedt’s work established nickel as a distinct element and contributed to the early development of nickel metallurgy and mineral classification. He also advanced systematic methods in mineralogy, combining chemical analysis with ore investigation. The mineral cronstedtite was named in his honor. Cronstedt’s discoveries helped spur further research into transition metals and ore deposits, influencing mining and metallurgical practices in Sweden and beyond. He remains a notable figure in the history of geology and chemistry for bridging mineralogy and chemistry in the 18th century.