Chemical Elements History and Information Tantalum

About the chemical element Tantalum, its symbol, atomic number and weight, who discovered it and when.

The Atomic Elements and Their Uses

(Element) (Symbol) (Atomic number) (Atomic weight)

Tantalum Ta 73 180.9479

Discovered by Andres Ekeberg of Sweden in 1802. Tantalum is completely resistant to attack by body fluids and is used in the manufacture of surgical pins and plates. Tantalum carbide has the highest melting point of any substance: 7200 deg. F (4000 deg. C). This is sufficient to withstand temperatures as high as those occurring in sunspots on the sun's surface.