Nickel ([Ar]3d84s2) (CAS 7440-02-0) is a lustrous, silvery-white metal with excellent resistance to corrosion. It is hard, malleable, ductile, ferromagnetic, and a reasonable conductor of heat and electricity. A member of the iron-cobalt group of metals, nickel is extensively used for making stainless steel and other corrosion resistant alloys. In nature, nickel is a component in most meteorites, even serving as one of the criteria for distinguishing a meteorite from other minerals.
Transition Metal Salts > Metal Alloys>
Phase at STP: Solid
Common Oxidation States: +2,3
Number of Valence Electrons: 2
Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.8
First Ionization Energy: 176 kcal/mole
Covalent Radius: 1.15 Angstroms
Melting Point: 1455°C
Boiling Point: 2732°C
Density: 8.908 g/cm3
Crystal Structure: Cubic, face-centered