Nickel

Element, chemical symbol Ni. A metallic element used in some steels. A silvery-white metal of medium hardness, highly ductile and resistant to chemical and atmospheric corrosion. Widely used as an alloying agent in iron and copper base alloys. As an alloying element in steel, it imparts a finer and more homogeneous structure. The most suitable composition for cold working is said to be 0.2 to 0.5 percent carbon and 2 to 3.5 percent nickel. Also used for plating and coating.