Zirconium
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Zirconium is a chemical element with atomic weight 91.22, melting point 1860°, and specific gravity 6.5. It is chemically close to silicon and is found in ore dumps in the Southern Urals and on the Kola Peninsula. In technology, zirconium is used to make filaments for incandescent lamps, and its compounds are used in lighting technology, glassmaking, and ceramics for making heat- and acid-resistant chemical ware. In medicine, zirconium oxide, ZrO2, is used as a completely insoluble and therefore harmless contrast medium for X-ray examination of the stomach and intestines.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ZIRCONIUM, a chemical element, symbol Zr, atomic weight 91.22. Melting point 1860°, specific gravity 6.5. In chemical properties it is close to silicon. In the USSR it is found in ore dumps in the Southern Urals and on the Kola Peninsula. In technology, Zr is applied in the manufacture of filaments for incandescent lamps, and its compounds are used in lighting technology (gas mantles, in the production of Dremmond light—cylinders of zirconium oxide), in the glass industry, and in ceramics for the preparation of heat- and acid-resistant chemical ware. In medicine, zirconium oxide, ZrO2, is applied as a completely insoluble, and therefore harmless, contrast medium during X-ray examination of the stomach and intestines. Abroad, zirconium oxide for these purposes is produced under the name "Contrastyn".
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Cite this page
“Zirconium.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/zirconium/