Day 31: Interesting Facts About Gallium
Atomic Symbol: Ga; Atomic Number: 31; Atomic Mass: 69.723

1. Though gallium is a solid at room temperature, its melting point is at 85.57˚F or 29.76˚C, so it will melt in your hand or in the the summer heat. It also has one of the longest liquid ranges of any metal, with a boiling point of 3999˚F or 2204˚C.
2. Once liquified, the element tends to supercool, remaining a liquid below its freezing point. Adding solid gallium seed particles may be necessary to solidify the liquid metal. Also, be careful not to store your gallium in glass or metal containers, as gallium expands by 3.1 % during solidification, possibly breaking these containers.
3. Gallium can prove extremely useful in high-temperature thermometers, creating low-melting alloys, doping material for semiconductors, radiogallium salts, transistors, mirrors, LEDs, lasers, and in the study of neutrinos.
4. A classic prank many scientists have been known to use involves creating spoons of gallium and serving them with tea for unsuspecting guests. Imagine the surprise when the spoon melts in their hands and hot tea!
5. Also: watch the gallium beating heart reaction here, in which Gallium is placed into 6M solution of H2SO4. Upon being prodded with a nail, the surface tension decreases, creating a “heartbeat.”

Image: Gallium melts on the hand.

Day 30: Interesting Facts About Zinc
Atomic Symbol: Zn; Atomic Number: 30; Atomic Mass: 65.38

1. Zinc is a useful element in modern day and throughout history, as use has been traced back over 2500 years. The earliest documented use was in ancient ornaments and decorations found in eastern countries. Alchemists also produced zinc oxide, which they called “philosophers wool.”
2. Zinc is only produced in nuclear fusion reactions within supernovas. When these massive stars reach the end of their life, they can explode and erupt their contents into space, which acts as the primary source of most heavy elements in the universe.
3. Zinc is another essential element for your body, as zinc deficiency was officially recognized as a clinical health problem in 1961. According to the International Zinc Association, zinc is critical to proper cellular growth and mitosis, fertility, immune system function, taste and smell, healthy skin and vision.
4. It is also very useful in many industries, including electrical, hardware, automotive, cosmetics, rubber, plastic, batteries, and also in the pharmaceutical industry.

Image: Zinc sample.

Day 29: Interesting Facts About Copper
Atomic Symbol: Cu; Atomic Number: 29; Atomic Mass: 63.546

1. In America, copper is infamous for its use in pennies and the Statute of Liberty. Pennies were formally pure copper, but the composition changed to be simply copper coated zinc in the 80s, as the copper content of a pure copper penny was actually worth more than one cent. The Statue of Liberty contains around 179,000 pounds of copper, which turns green due to oxidation. 
2. Our bodies just love metals. Copper is another nutrient that is required in our diet, with 0.9mg of copper recommended in a daily adult diet. This aids in the absorption of iron and helps to maintain the connective tissues and arteries of the heart.
3. Coppers uses extend from a wide variety of industrial uses, such as plumbing and wiring, making brass and bronze, to our everyday coins, art, medicines, and kitchenware.
4. However, if you were to cook acidic food in one of your copper pots, it could result in a toxic concoction, as the compounds formed when copper corrodes are toxic upon ingestion. So don’t forget to line your pots and pans! 

Image: Not only does recycling copper result in more efficient use of natural resources, but it also virtually 100% recyclable! 

Day 28: Interesting Facts About Nickel
Atomic Symbol: Ni; Atomic Number: 28; Atomic Mass: 58.6934

1. It is estimated that about 67% of known meteorites are composed of iron-nickel, which, despite consisting primarily of iron, have a significant portion of nickel. With these meteorites having significantly higher levels of nickel than the rocks naturally found on earth, testing for nickel is a common way to determine if a sample is likely to be a meteorite.
2. Another metal that is crucial in biological processes, nickel is necessary for activating and inhibiting enzymes, changing membrane characteristics, and influencing hormone production or activity. However, a fifth of people are allergic to nickel and thus cannot come into skin-contact with it, and, upon extended inhalation of nickel-dust, it can be a common carcinogenic or cause other respiratory problems.
3. Some properties that set nickel apart include its ability to be used as a magnet, as few metals can actually do so at room temperature, and its resistance to oxidization or corrosion, making it very useful in metal products such as coins and stainless steel.
4. Common ways in which nickel is used are in stainless steel, coins, giving a green color to glass, dehydrogenating vegetable oil, batteries, magnets, and ceramics. 

Image: Arc melted button. An example of the element nickel.

Day 27: Interesting Facts About Cobalt
Atomic Symbol: Co; Atomic Number: 27; Atomic Mass: 58.9332

1. Cobalt has a very interesting etymology, as according to the World English Dictionary, the name comes from German word “Kobalt” which is derived from the Middle High German word “kobolt” meaning “goblin” because miners believed “that malicious goblins placed it in the silver ore.”
2. Cobalt is found and mined in the crust as the minerals cobaltite, smaltite, and erythrite, in addition to normally being found with nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron ores. Ores containing primarily cobalt are mainly found in Zaire, Morocco, and Canada, but the bottom of the Pacific Ocean may have cobalt-rich deposits near the Hawaiian Islands.
3. In human health, cobalt plays a role in cancer treatment, as Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope whose gamma rays are used in cancer treatments and medical tracers. In addition, it is a part of vitamin B12, which is necessary in our diet for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. However pure cobalt is both moderately toxic when ingested and slightly toxic when touched with bare skin.
4. Common uses for the metal are in radio-therapy, jet engines, strong metal alloys, magnets, high-temperature cutting tools, dyes, batteries, ceramics, special glasses, and possibly future medicines.

Image: Fractions from a cobalt cathode, 7 and 4 grams.

Day 26: Interesting Facts About Iron
Atomic Symbol: Fe; Atomic Number: 26; Atomic Mass: 55.847 

1. Iron has been well known since ancient times. In fact, Indians were one of the first people to master the art of extracting and smelting iron many years before Europeans. The Iron Pillar located in Delhi is said to be over 1600 years old and in all its time it has not corroded or rusted.
2. Iron is another element whose atomic symbol may not make sense to English-speakers. Its symbol of Fe is derived from its Latin name of ferrum. This name also gives rise to the term ferromagnetic, which is a property of A Allotrope iron.
3. Iron is one of the most frequently used metals in the world. In its pure form, it is actually a rather soft metal, so it is usually combined into alloys to produce stronger metals. However, upon prolonged contact with oxygen, the majority of these iron alloys will rust and corrode, necessitating processes such as galvanization and painting.
4. It is an essential element in biological processes, as plants use iron in chlorophyll and humans use iron in hemoglobin molecules in blood to allow for the transport of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Yet, too much of it is extremely toxic. Unabsorbed iron in the blood reacts with peroxides to form free radicals that damage DNA, protein, lipids and other cellular components, leading to illness and sometimes death. 

Image: This is a photograph of various forms of high-purity elemental iron. Iron is a blue-gray metal found in steel and many other alloys as well as in pure form.

Day 25: Interesting Facts About Manganese
Atomic Symbol: Mn; Atomic Number: 25; Atomic Mass: 54.938

1. Take a deep breath and thank manganese. As an essential element in photosynthesis, without it, there would be no free oxygen on earth.
2. In our bodies themselves, there is only a tiny amount of manganese (10-20mg), which, comparatively, weighs less than a 100th of a dime! Yet, without manganese, we not only are unable to breathe, but we also could not perform vital metabolic functions.
3. Archeologists studying cave paintings that date back 30,000 years have discovered that not only did these early humans use manganese-based pigments, but they also used it as a cosmetic. In addition, the use of the element to remove green hues from glass was first implicated in the stone age, a technique that is still in use today.
4. Common uses include being used for drying black paints, preparing oxygen and chlorine, strengthening steel and other metals, gasoline additives, quantitative analysis, depolarizing dry cells, various medicines, and making colorless glass.

Image: Manganese is a silvery-gray metal resembling iron. It stimulates spontaneity.

Day 24: Interesting Facts About Chromium
Atomic Symbol: Cr; Atomic Number: 24; Atomic Mass: 51.9961

1. Many chromium compounds are distinctively colored, ranging from bright oranges and yellows to vivid greens and purples; hence why the name of the element is derived from the Greek word for color.
2. Chromium is the only element which shows antiferromagnetic ordering in its solid state at and below room temperature, although, when raised to a temperature above 38°C, the element becomes paramagnetic.
3. Chromium is commonly used to prepare pigments, in the coloring of rubies and gems, in some tanning processes, as a catalyst, and as a decorative and protective metal coating such as stainless steel.
4. As humans, we require trace amounts of trivalent chromium in our diets to regulate protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. It also stimulates insulin activity, which means that future studies on chromium may provide insight into diabetes and how to best treat it. Chromium deficiency can result in poor control of blood sugar levels and diabetes-like symptoms.

Image: Chromium, remelted in a horizontal arc zone-refiner, showing large visible crystal grains.

Day 23: Interesting Facts About Vanadium
Atomic Symbol: V; Atomic Number: 23; Atomic Mass: 50.9415 

1. Vanadium is frequently found in our crust in many minerals, ores, rocks, soils, and crude oils, in addition to also being found in many meteorites that crash to earth. We get trace amounts of vanadium in our diets by apples, olive oil, eggs, soy beans, and sunflower oil, all of which are grown in vanadium rich soils.
2. Not only is vanadium is not very reactive, thus not reactive with oxygen or acids, but it also has a very unusual characteristic in which it can act as a metal or nonmetal.
3. Common uses include being used in sports equipment, strengthening steel, magnets, surgical instruments, ceramics, tools, catalysts in dye manufacturing, nutritional supplements, storage batteries, nuclear reactors, axles, electrochemical coating to fight corrosion, and Ford Model-Ts.
4. There are many health benefits and problems attributed to vanadium. Benefits include: lowering blood pressure of those with type 2 diabetes, arguably enhancing sports performance, possibly preventing colon cancer, and preventing cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels; while drawbacks and side-effects include vigorous eye, nose and throat irritation upon exposure to vanadium peroxide dust, and inhaling too much possibly causing pneumonia and bronchitis.

Image: 2.3 grams pure vanadium pieces with a colored oxide layer.

Day 22: Interesting Facts About Titanium
Atomic Symbol: Ti; Atomic Number 22; Atomic Mass: 47.867 

1. Titanium is transition metal that is as strong and heat-resistant as steel, yet lighter, extremely resistant to corrosion, reflects infra-red light and has an optical dispersion higher than a diamond in titanium dioxide form.
2. On Earth titanium is almost always found in mineral deposits and in biological systems. However, titanium is also found in space, such as in the sun and in meteorites. For example, rocks from the Apollo 17 mission to the moon contained up to 12.1% TiO_2, though rocks from earlier missions showed lower percentages of titanium dioxide. Titanium oxide bands are also seen in spectra of M-type stars. 
3. In the form of titanium tetrachloride, when in a sealed container, it appears to be a clear and colorless liquid. But when exposed to the water vapor in the air, it changes form and appears similar to a white cloud substance. These characteristics of this compound allow for its use in skywriting or for movie smoke effects.
4. It is commonly combined with aluminum, molybdenum, manganese, and iron to form alloys which are frequently used in the aerospace industry such as airframes and engines; while other uses include acting as surgical joint replacements, in solar observatories, sports equipment, eyeglasses, propellers and other boat parts, paints, and computer parts.

Image: A bar of high-purity titanium crystals.

Day 21: Interesting Facts About Scandium
Atomic Symbol: Sc; Atomic Number: 21; Atomic Mass: 44.9559 

1. Scandium does not possess the property which can protect it from the effects of weathering, which is why it can be easily dissolved in most dilute acids and, upon being exposed to air, it changes its appearance to slightly yellowish or pinkish color.
2. While sources of scandium are rare on earth (mainly found in equally rare minerals such as thortveitite, euxenite, and gadolinite), it is among the most common elements that fuel our sun and is in its most stable form during the formation of supernovas.
3. Upon its combination with aluminum, it forms one of the strongest, most light-weight alloys in the world, in addition to other significant improvements upon aluminum’s usual properties, thus making it a huge contender for use in aircrafts, possibly making air-travel 15% cheaper due to the reduction in weight.
4. In the future, it is quite likely that scandium will find use in industrial fuel cells, with efficiency of energy conversion possibly reaching as high as 85%. But for now, scandium is mainly used in sports equipment, such as helmets and golf-clubs, and mercury lamps.

 Image: An example of the element Scandium.

Day 20: Interesting Facts About Calcium
Atomic Symbol: Ca; Atomic Number: 20; Atomic Mass: 40.078

1. Calcium plays an essential role in animal and plant nutrition, as it is part of many biochemical reactions such as forming skeletal systems, clotting blood, and controlling muscle performance. However, without enough of the hormones formed from Vitamin D, calcium cannot be absorbed by our intestines.
2. Yet, a balance in diet is necessary. Commonly reported side-effects of too little calcium intake include osteoporosis, muscle spasms, hypertension, numbness, depression, and irregular heartbeat; while side-effects of too much calcium include digestive problems, kidney stones, blood clots, fatigue, dehydration, and low blood pressure.
3. Calcium provides a significant link between the carbon cycle, climate and plate tectonics: when mountains are uplifted, calcium-based rocks and minerals are exposed to chemical weathering that releases calcium ions into surface water. Eventually, upon reaching the ocean, these ions react with dissolved CO₂ to form limestone, which then settles to the sea floor where it is incorporated into new rocks. 
4.  Common uses of the element include making cement and cheese, removing nonmetallic impurities from alloys, treating and purifying drinking water, and acting as a reduction agent in the preparation of other metals.

Image: Calcium grains, grain size about 1 mm.

Day 19: Interesting Facts About Potassium
Atomic Symbol: K; Atomic Number: 19; Atomic Mass: 39.0983

1. In its pure form, Potassium reacts very violently when exposed to water, in a reaction that gives off pure hydrogen which can easily ignite from the heat of the reaction, creating a bright purple fire that will continue to burn until completely depleted of oxygen.
2. While the symbol of K may not be easily understandable or memorizable for most English-speakers, the symbol originated from its original Latin name of kalium, which was taken from the Arabic word for alkali. Our English name for the element came from potash, the mineral salt from which potassium was originally mined.
3. Potassium and its compounds are commonly used in fertilizers, foods, desiccants, heat-transfer, pigments, dissolving precious metals, cleaning supplies, sedatives, medicines, and gun powders.
4. Potassium ions are crucial for many biological processes, especially in generating electric potentials. These are the basis of many cellular processes, including the conduction of nerve impulses.

Image: These are chunks of potassium metal. Potassium is a soft, silvery-white metal that quickly oxidizes.

Day 18: Interesting Facts About Argon
Atomic Symbol: Ar; Atomic Number: 18; Atomic Mass: 39.948 

1. Argon is the third most abundant element in our atmosphere, composing .93% by volume, and is created when potassium decays within the earth’s crust.
2. It’s produced industrially by the fractional distillation of liquid air in a cryogenic air separation unit; a process that, due to their differing boiling points, separates liquid nitrogen from argon and liquid oxygen. Using this process, about 700,000 tonnes of argon are produced worldwide annually.
3. Argon emits light when electrically excited, making it useful in light bulbs, lasers, plasma globes, fluorescent tubes, and photo tubes. In addition, its inert properties make it useful in countless other ways, which include aiding the manufacture stainless steels, process of arc welding and cutting, thermal insulation of windows, production impurity-free silicon crystals, blanketing reactive substances, and even serving as the filling for some high-end car tires and scuba dry-suits.
4. In 2000, scientists produced the first known compound containing the inert element: argon fluorohydride (HArF). However, it has no practical uses since it decomposes in temperatures above minus 246°C, or 411°F.

Image: Argon Laser.

Day 17: Interesting Facts About Chlorine
Atomic Symbol: Cl; Atomic Number: 17; Atomic Mass: 35.453 

1. Earth’s oceans contain a large amount of chlorine (2.6 x 10¹⁶ metric tons). If this chlorine were released as a gas, its weight would be 5x greater than Earth’s total current atmosphere. 
2. Chlorine is used in many cleaning products, disinfecting water, chemical warfare agents, textiles, paper products, dyes, petroleum products, medicines, insecticides, disinfectants, foods, solvents, plastics, and paints.
3. The first chain reaction discovered was not a nuclear reaction; it was the chemical chain reaction that occurred when Max Bodenstein observed a mixture of chlorine and hydrogen gases explode when triggered by light.
4. More than a few breaths of Chlorine in concentrations of 1000ppm (.1%) will be fatal, and in its liquid form, it can burn your skin. 

Image: In August 2002 a hose ruptured at a DPC Enterprises plant near Festus, Missouri. The emergency shutdown valves did not close as designed due to poor maintenance, and the EFV did not close. The only way to stop the release of chlorine from the railcar was to send emergency responders through a four-foot deep yellowish-green fog of chlorine vapor to manually close shutdown valves located on top of the railcar.