Origin : The name is a shortened version of the German ‘Kupfernickel’, meaning Devil’s copper or St. Nicholas’s copper.
Description :
A silvery metal that resists corrosion even at high temperatures and for this reason, it is used in gas turbines and rocket engines. It is also one of the elements added to some stainless steels. Other important uses are in metal plating and coins. Some nickel compounds can cause cancer if the dust is inhaled, and some individuals are allergic to contact with the metal. Nickel cannot be avoided because we take in some nickel compounds with our diet, and it is an essential element for such plants as the navy bean, which is used for baked beans.
Image :
Baked beans. Click here to see larger version of this image.
