Zirconates

Zirconium hydroxide, if such a compound can be said to exist, is an amphoteric hydroxide forming salts both with strong acids and strong bases. Zirconates of the alkali and other metals are known, but they are produced by fusion rather than in solution; precipitated zirconia adsorbs a certain amount of alkali added in excess, but does not definitely combine with it.

Sodium Metazirconate, Na₂ZrO₃, is formed when zirconia and sodium carbonate are fused together in equivalent proportions. It is a crystalline mass which is decomposed by water. By using excess of sodium carbonate and heating the mixture to whiteness the ortho- zirconate Na₄ZrO₄ is produced. Lithium forms the zirconates Li₂ZrO₃ and Li₂Zr₂O₅, and calcium, strontium, barium, and magnesium the metazirconates M''ZrO₃.