What is nickel?

Nickel is a metal element and is classified as a transition metal in the periodic table. Humans have used this metal to make alloys for thousands of years. Although the precise nature of this element may not be known, traces of it can be found in ancient statues and weapons. Nickel has a wide range of commercial uses, so it is a very useful metal.
Pure nickel is silver gray and can be polished to shine. This metal is also ferromagnetic and has good toughness, meaning it is easy to melt and forge. It is relatively hard and therefore suitable for alloying with soft or brittle metals. In the periodic table, its symbol is Ni, and its atomic number is 28.
The name nickel comes from the German kupfernickel, which literally means "devil's copper". Before the properties of this ore were thoroughly understood, it was once used as a glaze for porcelain, because it created a unique bluish-green luster. This element was first separated by the scientist "Alex Fredrik Cronstedt" in 1751. He tried to obtain copper, but ultimately obtained nickel.
Because nickel is corrosion resistant and its strength is relatively high, many people use it in alloys. For example, stainless steel often contains nickel. It is also used for other metal plates to ensure that they are not corroded. This metal was once used to replace silver coins. For example, the US nickel coin used this metal in large quantities, but the duration was not long. In addition, it is sometimes mixed into glass to produce a unique green color.
Although nickel is generally not toxic, care must be taken with this element. Many people's exposure to nickel can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is not suitable for making jewelry alloys. The smoke and dust produced by this metal is also very harmful and can cause lung infection and irritation. When engaged in work related to this metal (especially nickel sulfide), you should always wear appropriate protective masks and respirators to ensure your health. Gases containing nickel are also extremely toxic and should be avoided.