Definition
Most definitions of the term 'refractory metals' list the extraordinarly high melting point as a key requirement for inclusion. By one definition, a melting point above 4,000 °F (2,200 °C) is necessary to qualify. The five elements niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten and rhenium are included in all definitions, while the wider definition, including all elements with a melting point above 2,123 K (1,850 °C), includes a varying number of nine additional elements, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, hafnium, ruthenium, osmium and iridium. Transuranium elements (those above uranium, which are all unstable and not found naturally on earth) and technetium are never considered to be part of the refractory metals.
Read more about this topic: Refractory Metals
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