It was isolated in nearly pure form by Roscoe, in 1867, who reduced the chloride with hydrogen. Vanadium of 99.3 to 99.8 purity was not produced until 1927. Vanadium is found in about 65 different minerals among which are carontite , roscoelite , vanadinite , and patronite . Commercial production from petroleum ash holds promise as an important source of the element. Vanadium foil is used as a bonding agent in cladding titanium to steel.
Vanadium pentoxide is used in ceramics and as a catalyst.
Vanadium and its compounds are toxic and should be handled with care.