Nickel
Formula: Ni — Nickel, niccolum
Appearance: Silver-white lustrous metal; slightly magnetic
Hazard: Sensitizer · Potential carcinogen (dust/fumes)
Properties
Corrosion-resistant. Density 8.91 g/cm³, melting point 1455°C. Slightly magnetic. Dissolves in dilute acids. Used in stainless steel, rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCd), and coinage. Forms a hard, shiny, corrosion-resistant electroplated coating on other metals. Available as strip, wire, or sheet; some older coins (pre-1982 US nickels, Canadian coins) are high-nickel alloys.
Historical Context
Named from the German Kupfernickel (“devil’s copper”) — a mischievous ore that resembled copper ore but yielded no copper. Axel Fredrik Cronstedt isolated nickel in 1751. Its corrosion resistance made it valuable for plating and alloying, and nickel steels became important in the late 19th century for armour plating and engineering applications.
Experiments
Electroplating: Nickel can be electroplated from nickel sulfate or nickel sulfamate solution. Produces a hard, shiny, corrosion-resistant coating used industrially on tools, plumbing fixtures, and jewelry.
Experiments using this chemical:
- Electroplating - Nickel plating for corrosion resistance
Safety
Nickel is a common sensitizer — repeated skin contact can cause nickel contact dermatitis (very common allergy). Minimize prolonged skin contact. Nickel compounds in dust or fume form are classified as probable human carcinogens; avoid inhaling dust or fumes. Wash hands after handling.