Basic Information

Name: Tantalum 
Symbol: Ta 
Atomic Number: 73 
Atomic Mass: 180.9479 amu 
Melting Point: 2996.0 °C (3269.15 K, 5424.8 °F) 
Boiling Point: 5425.0 °C (5698.15 K, 9797.0 °F) 
Number of Protons/Electrons: 73 
Number of Neutrons: 108 
Classification: Transition Metal 
Crystal Structure: Cubic 
Density @ 293 K: 16.654 g/cm3 
Color: gray
Date of Discovery: 1802 
Discoverer: Anders Ekeberg 
Name Origin: After king Tantalus (Greek mythology) 
Uses: capacitors, camera lenses 
Obtained From: tantalite