Zirconium is a transition metal that was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth in Germany while studying the compound jargon. It has 40 protons, 51 neutrons, and is a solid grayish element at room temperature. Zirconium is commonly obtained through the Kroll Process, which is the reduction of zirconium chloride with magnesium. Its primary uses include research due to corrosion resistance, as an alloying agent in steel, and in high-performance pumps and valves.