Zirconium is our most effective crucible material for fusions using sodium carbonate or sodium peroxide. It is an excellent low-cost replacement for platinum. And, based on an average of 100 fusions per crucible, it is more cost effective than less expensive porcelain or steel crucibles.

Other advantages of zirconium are its complete resistance to the action of most solvents of all concentrations such as nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric and perchloric acids.

This allows the fusions to be dissolved out of the crucible completely with little or no contamination of the sample. Alkaline solvents such as ammonium hydroxide, acetate sulfide, carbonate and (Na, K) hydroxide, sulfide, carbonate and cyanide are also without effect.