It is also found in small percentages in meteorites. Commercial production from petroleum ash holds promise as an important source of the element. Much of the vanadium metal being produced is now made by calcium reduction Of V2O5 in a pressure vessel, an adaption of a process developed by McKechnie and Seybolt. 50V is slightly radioactive, having a long half-life. Seventeen other unstable isotopes are recognized.
Pure vanadium is a bright white metal, and is soft and ductile.
The metal has good structural strength and a low fission neutron cross section, making it useful in nuclear applications. Vanadium is used in producing rust resistant, spring, and highspeed tool steels. It is an important carbide stabilizer in making steels. Vanadium foil is used as a bonding agent in cladding titanium to steel. Vanadium pentoxide is used in ceramics and as a catalyst.