Category:Tantalum

Tan"ta*lum, n. Etym: [nl. So named on account of the perplexity and Difficulty encounterd by its discoverer (ekeberg) in isolating it. See tantalus.] (chem.)

Defn: a rare nonmetallic element found in certain minerals, as Tantalite, samarskite, and fergusonite, and isolated as a dark powder Which becomes steel-gray by burnishing. Symbol ta. Atomic weight 182.0. Formerly called also tantalium.