Tantaliitti

Tantaliitti is a chemical element with the atomic number 73 and the symbol Ta. It is a hard, blue-gray, and lustrous transition metal in the periodic table, located in the group of refractory metals.

Tantaliitti is used in a variety of applications due to its high melting point, high density, and high melting point. Its resistance to corrosion and wear makes it suitable for use in harsh environments, such as high-temperature furnaces and chemical processing equipment. The element is also used in the manufacture of aircraft and rocket components, where its high strength and low weight are beneficial.

One of the primary applications of tantaliitti is in the production of high-strength, lightweight alloys. It is commonly alloyed with chromium, molybdenum, and iron to create strong, durable materials used in the aerospace and defense industries. Additionally, tantaliitti is used in the manufacture of electrical contacts and switches due to its high conductivity.

Tantaliitti is naturally found in several minerals, including columbite and tantalite. The element is typically extracted from ore through a process of flotation and magnetic separation. Its most notable properties include its high melting point (2996°C) and its density (16.7 g/cm³), which is one of the highest of all naturally occurring elements.

Tantaliitti has limited biological roles, but its cancer-treatment properties have been explored in some studies. It is the second most abundant transition metal in the Earth's crust, after iron.