Vanadium metal ingot - one troy ounce - .999 bullion First discovered by Andrés Manuel del Río in Mexico in 1801, a claim he later abandoned when a French chemist suggested it was merely an impure chromium sample, yet only to be rediscovered in 1831 by Swedish chemist Nils Gabriel Sefström and named vanadium by him after the goddess Vanadís (aka Freyja) as he likened the many beautiful colors of its compounds to the passion, beauty and fertility of this goddess from Norse mythology. Vanadium is a transition metal that is found in many compounds in nature yet its metallic form is only very rarely found here, it is very hard yet ductile, conductive of electricity yet thermally insulating and is corrosion resistant. The vast majority of the world's supply of vanadium comes from China, Russia, and South Africa. About 85% of annual vanadium production is alloyed with steel to greatly increase it strength. In fact one of the first major industrial uses of ferrovanadium was in creating the chassis of Ford Company's famous Model T. It is also used extensively as a chemical catalyst and has growing use in vanadium redox batteries, taking advantage of the 4 different oxidation states of this unique element. It also has great potential for use in fusion reactors. Given its important industrial uses and the potential for supply chain disruption, vanadium places fifth on the British Geological Survey Risk List. Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (V), purity (99.9%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. There can be small edge dings, scratches and other small imperfections which do not detract from the inherent value of this unusual elemental metal. As always, weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. The solid ingot form of vanadium that we sell is considered safe when handled appropriately. Vanadium compounds can be very toxic especially in the form of small oxidized particles that can be inhaled. We recommend that you keep these ingots intact and store them in a safe place in the storage capsule provided, do not ingest, and keep out of the reach of children. Each ingot will be shipped with an assay certificate and with our velvet logo bag for storage. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $199 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $199 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/513472/1/Risk_List_2015_FINAL.pdf
