What element has the symbol 'Zr'?

The story behind the answer

Zr is the symbol for Zirconium, a metallic element (atomic number 40) in Group 4. The similar-sounding options can mislead: Zinc is Zn, while zircon and zirconite are minerals, not elements. Zirconium gets its name from the mineral zircon (ZrSiO4), from which it was first isolated.

Why it matters: Zirconium is prized for its corrosion resistance and very low neutron-capture cross section, making it essential for nuclear reactor cladding. Its oxide, zirconia (ZrO2), is used in tough ceramics and as sparkling “cubic zirconia.” Memory tip: the “-ium” ending signals an element, and Zr mirrors the start of “zircon-ium.”