Tantalum is a chemical element with the atomic number 73 and the symbol Ta. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant and has a high melting point. Tantalum is used in numerous applications, including capacitors, high-power resistors, surgical implants, nuclear reactors, missile parts, and chemical process equipment, due to its excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature strength. It is primarily obtained from the minerals tantalite, columbite, and coltan, which are often found in conflict zones, leading to ethical concerns regarding its sourcing.