Wikijunior:The Elements/Vanadium
What does it look, feel, taste, or smell like?
Pure vanadium is a shiny, silvery-gray metal. In its pure form, vanadium is ductile and malleable. It can be shaped or stretched without breaking. When impurities are present—especially carbon—vanadium becomes hard and brittle. It will snap or crack instead of bending. Vanadium and its compounds are sometimes toxic. They should never be tasted. Vanadium does not have a distinct smell. Some of its compounds release harmful vapors that should not be inhaled. Vanadium is not safe to handle directly. Scientists always use gloves, goggles, and special tools, such as a fume hood, tongs, and masks.
How was it discovered?
Vanadium was first discovered in 1801, by Andrés Manuel del Río. He noticed a mineral that turned different colors when heated. He believed he had found a new element and named it erythronium.
His discovery was dismissed by other scientists. They believed he had simply found impure chromium. Del Río gave up his idea, and vanadium was forgotten for nearly 30 years.
Del Rio’s element was discovered again in 1830, by Swedish chemist Nils Gabriel Sefström. He was analyzing iron ore and noticed the same colorful compounds seen by Del Reo.
Vanadium was first isolated by English chemist Sir Henry E. Roscoe in 1867.
Where did its name come from?
Vanadium was named in 1830, by Nils Gabriel Sefström. It was named after Vanadis, the Norse goddess of beauty and fertility. The name was chosen because vanadium compounds display beautiful colors when heated.
Did You Know?
- A higher amount of vanadium can be found in oceanic animals than those living on land.
- Firstly, it was introduced as “rionium" but this name was rejected.
- Most of the vanadium in the world is mined in three countries: South Africa, China, and Russia.
Where is it found?
Vanadium is a naturally occurring element found in Earth’s crust. It is found in iron ore, crude oil, and coal. Small amounts of vanadium are released when fossil fuels are burned. Vanadium is found in areas with volcanic activity. It is also found in sedimentary rocks on ancient ocean seafloors.
There are vanadium deposits in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, but most mining has stopped in these areas. Vanadium is still mined in China, Russia, and South Africa.
What are its uses?
Vanadium alloys are strong and resist wear. They are used for making tools, cars, and jet engines. They are used in armor plating, spacecraft, and large batteries.
Manufacturers use vanadium compounds as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions. Vanadium pentoxide is used to color glass and ceramics.
Is it dangerous?
Small amounts of vanadium occur naturally in food, water, and air. The tiny amounts that most people are exposed to every day are usually safe.
Vanadium dust or fumes can be toxic. Inhaling it can damage lungs. Ingesting it can cause nausea and stomach pain. Gloves, masks, and goggles should be worn for safe handling of vanadium.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (n.d.). ToxFAQs™ for vanadium (CAS# 7440-62-2). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=275&toxid=50
Cube Chemistry. (2025, June 10). Vanadium: The secret element behind Ford's success [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gtDk9wv3LI
Ducksters. (2024). Chemistry for Kids: Elements - Vanadium. https://www.ducksters.com/science/chemistry/vanadium.php
Harper, D. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://www.etymonline.com
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