Nikl

Nikl is the name used in Czech and Slovak for the chemical element nickel. In international contexts the element is referred to as nickel, with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. Nickel is a hard, silvery-white transition metal known for its high polish and excellent corrosion resistance, largely due to a protective oxide layer that forms on its surface. At room temperature it is ferromagnetic, and it has a high melting point of 1,455 °C (2,651 °F).

Nikl occurs in several minerals, most notably in nickel sulfide ores such as pentlandite and in laterite deposits. Commercial production relies on mining these ores, followed by smelting and refining to produce pure nickel. Major producing regions include Russia, Canada, Australia, Indonesia, and New Caledonia.

Applications and properties of nickel are broad. The metal is a key component of stainless steel and many other alloys, providing strength and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in electroplating and in coins. Nickel is also employed in battery technologies, including nickel–cadmium and nickel–metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and as a catalyst in certain chemical processes.

Health and safety considerations are important with nickel. Some nickel compounds can be hazardous, and exposure can cause skin sensitization or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Handling and processing nickel and its compounds require appropriate safety measures and regulatory compliance to minimize environmental and health risks.

Name origin links nikl to the German term kupfernickel, meaning “devil’s copper,” from historical ore descriptions where nickel minerals were mistaken for copper ore. The name nickel itself reflects this etymology in many languages.