Tantalum

Atomic Number: 73
Symbol: Ta
Atomic Mass: 180.95 u
Number of Neutrons: 108
Melting Point: 3017°C
Boiling Point: 5357°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.18.32.11.2
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²

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Tantalum is the 73rd element in the periodic table and it is part of the transition metals. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray, shiny metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. It has an extrmely high melting point and only 4 other elements have a higher melting point. Tantalum is used in a variety of alloys to add high strength and a high melting point. Tantalum is found under the ground in the earths crust. It is not found freely and is mined from ores and minerals. A mineral that tantalum can be found in is columbite-tantalite, which also contains other metals including niobium. It is mined in many places including Australia, Canada and Brazil. This element is quite difficult to extract from it's ore (which includes niobium). Tantalum and niobium create a very strong bond, not easy to break. Tantalum was discovered in 1802, one year after niobium, by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg. This element's name is named after Tantalus, a villain from Greek mythology.

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