nikkeleä

Nikkeleä is a Finnish term that translates to "nickel" in English. Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard and ductile.

Nickel is primarily found in two types of ores: laterites and magmatic sulfide deposits. The most important laterite deposits are located in Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Caledonia, while significant magmatic sulfide deposits are found in Russia, Canada, Australia, and Africa. Nickel is also a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust, often in combination with iron.

The element was first isolated and identified by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt in 1751, who initially mistook a nickel ore for a copper mineral. The name "nickel" comes from the German word "Kupfernickel," which means "Old Nick's copper," reflecting the belief that the ore contained copper that was being stolen by a mischievous spirit named Nick.

Nickel has a wide range of applications due to its resistance to corrosion and its ability to alloy with other metals. It is commonly used in the production of stainless steel, which contains about 8% nickel. Other uses include electroplating, batteries (such as nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries), and as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

In addition to its industrial uses, nickel is an essential nutrient for some plants and animals. However, excessive exposure to nickel can be harmful to human health, causing allergic reactions and other health issues. The human body can absorb nickel through the skin, inhalation, and ingestion.