What is Nickel? Origin / Meaning of the name Nickel
The name Nickel derives from an abbreviation of the German word 'kupfernickel' meaning "Devil's copper". In German 'Kupfer' means copper and 'Nickel' means devil. The German word 'Nickel' was a form of the name Nicholas, a term commonly associated with the devil which is why "Old Nick" is a familiar name for Satan. The metal was originally named by German miners who believed that the devil had changed or contaminated this strange ore, turning it into a less valuable and harder to work metal than valuable copper. The name was given by the chemist Axel von Cronstedt (1722-1765) who discovered the element.

What is Nickel? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Nickel Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Nickel is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. For additional facts and information refer to Nickel Properties. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Nickel Element
The use of nickel dates back as far as 3500 BC when it was used for coins and weapons. Nickel was discovered by Baron Axel Frederik Cronstedt in 1751. Axel von Cronstedt was a mining expert with the Bureau of Mines and attempted to extract copper from what he thought was a copper ore, but produced a silvery-white metal, instead of copper. He named the new metal nickel meaning "Devil's copper". Cronstedt also discovered the mineral tungsten, meaning heavy stone in Swedish.

Axel von Cronstedt (1722-1765)

What is Nickel? Occurrence of the Nickel Element
Nickel occurs sparingly in nature, usually combined with Arsenic or with arsenic and sulphur. Nickel has been found in the free state in meteorites. Obtained from pentlandite

What is Nickel? Use of Nickel
Nickel is largely used as an alloy with other metals. Alloyed with copper it forms coin metal from which five-cent pieces are made, with copper and Zinc it forms German silver, and when added to steel in small quantities nickel steel is formed which is much superior to common steel for certain purposes. When deposited by electrolysis upon the surface of other metals such as iron, it forms a covering which will take a high polish and protects the metal from rust, nickel not being acted upon by moist air. Salts of nickel are usually green.

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 0.006%
% in Sun 0.008%
% in Meteorites 1.3%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0089%
% in Oceans 2×10^-7%
% in Humans 0.00001%

Associated Uses of Nickel
Coinage in the United States and Canada
Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant alloys
Nickel plating
Burglar-proof vaults
Nickel-cadmium batteries

What is Nickel? The Properties of the Nickel Element
Name of Element : Nickel
Symbol of Element : Ni
Atomic Number of Nickel : 28
Atomic Mass:  58.6934 amu
Melting Point: 1453.0 °C - 1726.15 °K
Boiling Point: 2732.0 °C - 3005.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Nickel : 28
Number of Neutrons in Nickel : 31
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 8.902 g/cm3
Color of Nickel : silvery

Nickel as on the Periodic Table
Check out Nickel on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Nickel as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Nickel - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Nickel is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Nickel with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Nickel and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.