Zirconium (or Zircon) is a greyish-white lustrous metal. The finely divided metal can ignite spontaneously in air, especially at elevated temperatures. The solid metal is much more difficult to ignite.

The inherent toxicity of zirconium compounds is low. Hafnium is invariably found in zirconium ores, and commercial grade zirconium contains from 1 to 3% hafnium. The hafnium is removed from the zirconium used in the nuclear power industry.