Promethium

61
Promet
Promethium

Promethium was named after Prometheus, one of the titans of greek mythology, who brought fire to mankind. The gods then punished him by binding him to a rock in the Caucasus. There an eagle came every day eating his liver, which always grew back.

The name was chosen as a warning to humankind, since this element is radioactive as a product of decay of uranium. By the time of the discovery the nuclear arms race between the USA and the Sovied Union had begun.

Cadmium

48
Cadmus
Cadmium

Cadmium compounds were formerly used as yellow pigments. Nowadays it is considered as very toxic and an environmental pollutant emitted by many industiral processes.

Name giver is Kádmos from the Greek mythology, founder of Thebes, who killed a dragon.

Molybdenum

42
Molly-B
Molybdenum

For a long time molybdenum was confused with lead ores. That’s why it got its name from the greek word for lead mólybdos. It is used for hardening steel. As a trace element it is essential for almost every organism. It can reach oxidation states up to six.

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