Tantalum (IPA : /ˈtæntələm/ ), formerly tantalium (IPA : /ˌtænˈtæliəm/ ) is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. A rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous, transition metal , tantalum is highly corrosion-resistant and occurs in the mineral tantalite .

 

Tantalum is used primarily for the production of capacitors, which are vital components in electronic devices, ranging widely from mobile phones to laptop computers. The upsurge in tech products over the past decade has resulted in extraordinary demands and price increases for the mineral [4]. These price increases have contributed to tension in the producing countries, particularly between Congo and Rwanda.

 

Applications

The major use for tantalum, as the metal powder, is in the production of electronic components, mainly capacitors and some high-end audio grade resistors. Tantalum electrolytic capacitors exploit the tendency of tantalum to form a protective oxide surface layer, using tantalum foil as one plate of the capacitor, the oxide as the dielectric, and an electrolytic solution as the other plate. Because the dielectric layer can be very thin (thinner than the similar layer in, for instance, an aluminium electrolytic capacitor), a high capacitance can be achieved in a small volume. Because of the size and weight advantages, tantalum capacitors are attractive for portable telephones, pagers, personal computers, and automotive electronics.

Tantalum is also used to produce a variety of alloys that have high melting points, are strong and have good ductility. Alloyed with other metals, it is also used in making carbide tools for metalworking equipment and in the production of superalloys for jet engine components, chemical process equipment, nuclear reactors, and missile parts. Because of its ductility, Ta can be drawn into fine wires or filaments, which are used for evaporating metals such as aluminium.

Due to the fact that it resists attack by body fluids and is nonirritating, tantalum is widely used in making surgical instruments and implants. The oxide is used to make special high refractive index glass for camera lenses. The metal is also used to make vacuum furnace parts.

 

Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral , SnO₂ . It is generally opaque, but is translucent in thin crystals. Its luster and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite is the chief ore of tin today.