Nickel

Nickel has a rich history that dates back to antiquity when ores containing nickel were mistakenly described as containing copper. The name 'nickel' originates from the German word 'Kupfernickel,' meaning 'devil's copper,' as miners found it challenging to extract copper from the ore. The element was officially isolated in 1751 by Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, who recognized nickel as a distinct element while examining the mineral niccolite, a source of nickel. Over the following century, nickel's properties and applications were further studied, leading to its inclusion in various alloys and recognition as an important industrial metal during the 19th century.

Nickel is found naturally in the Earth's crust, primarily in ores such as pentlandite, limonite, and garnierite. It is relatively abundant, ranking as the 24th most common element, with an average concentration of about 0.008% in the crust. The metal is predominantly sourced from large-scale mining operations, where it is extracted from both sulfide and laterite ores. In addition to terrestrial deposits, nickel also exists in the cores of certain asteroids and may be present in meteorites, contributing to its presence in extraterrestrial iron-nickel alloys.

Nickel plays a vital role in biological systems, albeit in trace amounts. It is an essential micronutrient for certain microorganisms and plants. In humans, nickel is involved as a cofactor in some enzyme activities, particularly those related to lipid and protein metabolism. However, excessive nickel intake can be toxic, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems or skin allergies. The careful balance of nickel in biological systems highlights the element’s dual nature as necessary for life yet potentially harmful in excess.

Nickel is a transition metal known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It has a melting point of about 1455°C and a boiling point of approximately 2913°C, which makes it suitable for various high-temperature applications. Nickel is ductile and malleable, allowing it to be formed into wires and sheets. Chemically, nickel is reactive, forming oxides and nitrides when exposed to air at elevated temperatures. It commonly exhibits oxidation states of +2 and +3, contributing to its wide range of chemical compounds, including nickel sulfide and nickel chloride.

Nickel's primary application lies in the manufacturing of stainless steel, which constitutes about 70% of the world’s nickel consumption. The addition of nickel enhances steel's strength, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. Beyond alloys, nickel is used in batteries, specifically nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries, which are common in portable electronics and vehicles. Additionally, nickel surfaces are often plated to impart a shiny finish and provide protection against corrosion, making it a staple in various consumer products and industrial tools.

• Nickel is one of the few metals that can be magnetized at room temperature.
• The largest nickel mine in the world is located in Canada at Sudbury, Ontario, which produces around 50,000 tons of nickel annually.
• In addition to its metallic applications, nickel compounds are used in coloring glass and ceramics, producing a distinctive green hue.