What does cadmium metal look like?

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Various types of 99.999% pure cadmium metal from Luciteria

Of all the metals and metalloids used in the demanding world of electronics, cadmium is perhaps the rarest for which such exacting purity standards are required with some applications calling for as high as 7N purity.

It is, as far as the collector is concerned at least, in the looks department where the ordinary grade cadmium of 99.95% versus this 5N zone refined crystal becomes obvious and we think the small premium in price is well worth the cost for this handsome metal.

The media treats cadmium as a poisonous heavy metal, and not without good reason, as small amounts find their way into the water table due to industrial pollution, electronics waste, and poor mining practices. This heavy metal then reacts chemically with the environment creating some quite toxic byproducts harmful to humans and wildlife alike.

But as long as you don't lick this metal like a lollipop there's no big warnings to heed and is safe to handle with your bare hands. The metal is bright gray with the merest hint of blue, is quite heavy but also soft thus resembling lead in both its physical characteristics as well as its toxicity profile.

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