Ta

Ta is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a refractory, ductile transition metal notable for a very high melting point and exceptional corrosion resistance, which arises from a stable, protective oxide layer. The element was discovered in 1802 by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in a mineral sample called tantalite; he named it tantalum after Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. Friedrich Wöhler later demonstrated in 1828 that tantalum could be isolated as a metal, establishing it as a distinct element.

Physically, tantalum has a density of about 16.69 g/cm³ and a melting point near 3017°C. It forms a range of compounds, most notably tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), which is used in dielectric films and capacitors. Its corrosion resistance makes it valuable in harsh chemical environments, and it remains workable and ductile at high temperatures.

Occurrence and production focus on mining tantalite and related coltan minerals, often together with niobium. Ore deposits are found in several regions, including Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Industrial processing separates tantalum from niobium to produce metallic tantalum and tantalum compounds used in manufacturing.

Applications and uses center on electronics and engineering. The dominant use is tantalum capacitors, valued for high capacitance in small volumes and reliability in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and aerospace. Additional applications include corrosion-resistant components for chemical processing, surgical implants and medical devices, and high-temperature alloys and carbides.

Isotopes in nature comprise predominantly the stable 181Ta, with a rare long-lived isomer 180mTa present in trace amounts. The element’s properties and processes make it a critical material in modern technology, balanced by supply chain and geopolitical considerations in its mining and refining.