Zirconium is a Block D, Group 4, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Zirconium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d² 5s². In its elemental form zirconium's CAS number is 7440-67-7. The zirconium atom has a radius of 159.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Zirconium is non-toxic. Zirconium is primarily used in it's oxide or zirconia form. Zirconium dioxide has a high melting point (2,700° C) and a low thermal conductivity. Its polymorphism, however, restricts its widespread use in ceramic industry. During a heating process, zirconia will undergo a phase transformation process. The change in volume associated with this transformation makes the usage of pure zirconia in many applications impossible. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.Zirconium was first discovered by William Gregor in 1791. The name Zirconium originated from the Persian word 'zargun' meaning gold color or gold-like. See Zirconium research below.

Magnesium is a Block S, Group 2, Period 3 element. The number of electrons in each of Magnesium's shells is 2, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ne] 3s². In its elemental form magnesium's CAS number is 7439-95-4. The magnesium atom has a radius of 159.9.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 173.pm. Magnesium the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust. It is one third lighter than aluminum, and because of this is used in alloys that are essential for aerospace, satellite and missile construction. The metal improves the mechanical, fabrication, and welding characteristics of aluminum when used as an alloying agent. Uses also include flares and pyrotechnics due to its pyrophoric properties. Magnesium compounds, primarily magnesium oxide, are used mainly as refractory material in furnace linings for producing iron and steel, nonferrous metals, glass, and cement. High purity magnesium is found in dietary supplements. Magnesium was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. The name Magnesium originates from a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia. See Magnesium research below.