Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
58.693
10
4
D Block
Transition Metal
Nickel was discovered in 1751 by the Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt. Miners had mistaken nickel ore for copper ore, giving rise to its name from the German word "Kupfernickel," meaning "devil's copper."
Nickel occurs naturally in minerals such as pentlandite and garnierite. It is also abundant in iron meteorites and is believed to be a major component of Earth's core.
Group 10 | Period 4 | D Block | Transition Metal
Nickel is widely used in stainless steel, rechargeable batteries, corrosion-resistant coatings, coins, catalysts and high-temperature alloys used in aircraft and spacecraft.
Iron, Chromium, Cobalt and Copper
Nickel is highly resistant to corrosion but reacts with strong acids and certain oxidizing agents under suitable conditions.
Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²
Nickel provides excellent corrosion resistance, toughness and heat resistance, making it indispensable in modern engineering and manufacturing.
About two-thirds of the Earth's core is believed to consist of iron and nickel, making nickel one of the most important elements inside our planet.
Nickel is an essential ingredient in stainless steel. It improves corrosion resistance, strength and shine, allowing stainless steel to be used in kitchens, hospitals, industries and architecture.
Nickel is widely used in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries. It is also an important component in many modern lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Because of its hardness and resistance to corrosion, nickel has been used for centuries in coins around the world, often alloyed with copper.
A thin layer of nickel is often electroplated onto other metals to protect them from rust, corrosion and wear. Nickel plating also gives products a smooth, shiny finish and is commonly used on tools, automobile parts, household fittings and electronic components.
Nickel-based superalloys can withstand extremely high temperatures and mechanical stress. They are widely used in jet engines, gas turbines and spacecraft.
Scientists are developing nickel-rich battery materials, hydrogen production catalysts, fuel cells and advanced corrosion-resistant alloys for future energy technologies.
Nickel is formed during supernova explosions and is abundant in many meteorites. Studying nickel isotopes helps scientists understand the formation of planets and the Solar System.
Many meteorites contain large amounts of iron and nickel. Their unique composition helps scientists distinguish meteorites from ordinary Earth rocks.