Rare Metal Tantalum Discovered in Sutlej River

• 24 Nov 2023

Recently, a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has unearthed tantalum, a rare metal, in the sand of the Sutlej River in Punjab.

Key Points

• Nature of Tantalum: Tantalum, with atomic number 73, is a rare, grey, heavy metal known for its hardness and exceptional corrosion resistance.
• Its properties include ductility, high melting point, and immunity to chemical attacks at temperatures below 150°C.
• Mythological Naming: Tantalum is named after Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology.
• This choice stems from the metal's insolubility in acids, reflecting Tantalus's inability to partake in water or fruit in the underworld.
• Applications of Tantalum: Tantalum finds extensive use in electronics, particularly in capacitors that can store more electricity in smaller sizes.
• It serves in portable devices like smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
• Additionally, it substitutes for platinum in various applications, including components for chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aircraft, and missiles.
• Medical and Industrial Uses: Due to its non-reactivity with bodily fluids, tantalum is utilized in surgical equipment and implants, such as artificial joints.
• It is also a component in the composite material tantalum carbide (TaC), known for its hardness, used in high-speed machine tools.
• Versatile Material in High-Tech Industries: Tantalum's high melting point and unique properties make it indispensable in various industries, contributing to advancements in technology, space exploration, and medical applications.