Zirconium perchlorate as cold as possible. Zirconium perchlorate is very hydroscopic forming hydrates, and it is hydrolysed by water to yield zirconyl perchlorate, ZrO(ClO). Zirconium perchlorate reacts with vaseline, methyl nitrate or acetonitrile. Zirconium perchlorate is inert towards carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and dimethylformamide. Zirconium perchlorate reacts with benzene at 20°C, but at -10°C crystals of Zr(ClO)•CH are deposited. Zirconium perchlorate has solid state transition around 45°C, a melting point between 95.5 and 96.0°C and a decomposition point starting around 120°C. The zirconyl perchlorate formed in the heat decomposition, itself decomposes around 290°C to form zirconia, chlorine and oxygen. In the gas phase
Zirconium material is refractory, hard, and resistant to chemical attack. Because of these properties, zircon finds many applications, few of which are highly publicized. Its main use is as an opacifier, conferring a white, opaque appearance to ceramic materials. Because of its chemical resistance, zircon is also used in aggressive environments, such as moulds for molten metals. Zirconium dioxide (ZrO) is used in laboratory crucibles, in metallurgical furnaces, and as a refractory material. Because it is mechanically strong and flexible, it can be sintered into ceramic knives and other blades. Zircon (ZrSiO) and the cubic zirconia (ZrO) are cut into gemstones