For an abundant metal with many valuable uses, nickel has a mysterious air about it. It is rarely talked about in regular conversation and many people do not know a whole lot about it. It is a beautiful element often described as having a silvery-white lustrous appearance with a faint golden tinge. It is represented by the chemical symbol Ni and has an atomic number of 28. Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Constredt. The Sudbury region of Ontario, Canada, is the most important region for nickel mining. The element is used in many products in everyday use.
Aircraft Components
Nickel and nickel alloys are used in such products as aircraft components, oil-drilling parts and premium household goods. Nickel Houston TX provides materials in various forms, shapes and sizes to fit the needs of manufacturers around the country. The metal can be engineered into sheet, plate, bar, flanges and fittings. This high-caliber metal is tested to ensure it meets grade and quality expectations.
Coins
According to the U.S. Mint, the nickel is the only U.S. coin that is called by its metal content. The coin, however, was never made entirely of nickel. Throughout most of its history, the nickel was made of 25 percent nickel and the rest was copper. During WWII, the nickel was made without any nickel at all, as this metal was needed for the war effort. From 1942 to 1945 the five-cent coin was made of a mix of copper, manganese and silver.
Magnets
Since nickel is one of the few metals that has magnetic properties, it is used in the production of magnets. The element is attracted to magnets and it can be magnetized. Nickel is only one of four elements that are magnetic at room temperature. The other three are iron, cobalt and gadolinium. Products that make use of nickel magnets include electric motors, microphones, loudspeakers and microwaves.
