Interesting Facts about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Tantalum
What are the origins of the word Tantalum ?
The name originates from King Tantalus, the father of Niobe, in Greek mythology.

Facts about the Classification of the Element Tantalum
Tantalum is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as a Transition Metals is ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.

Brief Facts about the Discovery and History of the Element Tantalum
Tantalum was discovered by Anders Ekeberg in 1802. The element was isolated in 1820 by Jons Berzelius. The first relatively pure ductile metal was produced in 1903 by Werner von Bolton.

Occurrence of the element Tantalum
Obtained from the minerals tantalite, euxenite, samarskite, and fergusonite
Mined in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Africa, Portugal, and Thailand.

Common Uses of Tantalum
Electronic components - Capacitors
Automotive electronics
Jet engine components
Chemical process equipment
Nuclear reactors
Camera lenses
Portable telephones
Pagers
Personal computers
Surgical appliances
Tantalum pentachloride

The Properties of the Element Tantalum

Name of Element : Tantalum
Symbol of Element : Ta
Atomic Number of Tantalum : 73
Atomic Mass: 180.9479 amu
Melting Point: 2996.0 °C - 3269.15 °K
Boiling Point: 5425.0 °C - 5698.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Tantalum : 73
Number of Neutrons in Tantalum : 108
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 16.654 g/cm3
Color of Tantalum : gray