It occurs in a number of complex ores, including vanadinite (Pb5Cl(VO4)3) and carnotite (K2(ClO2)2(VO4)2). The pure metal can be obtained by reducing the oxide with calcium. The element is used in a large number of alloy steels.
Properties: at.no. 23; r.a.m. 50.9414; r.d. 6.1 at 18.7°C; m.p. 1,890°C (3,434°F); b.p. 3,380°C (6,116°F); most common isotope V51 (99.76%).
