Some applications for Tantalum include its use in capacitors for electronic equipment, including computers, wireless devices and cellular telephones. Tantalum occurs in nature with the element niobium in the minerals columbite and tantalite. Properties Very hard, very dense and highly resistant to corrosion. High melting and boiling points, therefore heat resistant. Does not react with bodily fluids, therefore used in surgical applications.
Tantalum oxide increases the refracting properties of glass.
Applications Tantalum Capacitors for Electronic Equipment. The computer and telecom markets generated considerable hype in 1999 and 2000 for passive components and, in particular tantalum capacitors. Tantalum capacitors are produced by pressing porour pellets from a fine, capacitor-grade tantalum powder. Chemical production equipment where high corrosive conditions exist. Nuclear reactors, aircraft and missile parts, camera lenses, night vision goggles.