Zirconium does not absorb neutrons, making it an ideal material for use in nuclear power stations: Method of producing zirconium having a cross-section of low neutron-absorption (1984).
With niobium, zirconium is superconductive at low temperatures and is used to make superconducting magnets: High field superconducting magnet consisting of a niobium-zirconium composition (1966). Z
Zirconium(IV) oxide is used in ultra-strong ceramics. It is used to make crucibles that will withstand heat-shock, furnace linings (Zirconia-Based Lining Material For High Temperature Furnace (1991)), foundry bricks (Zirconia Brick (1993)), abrasives (Abrasive particles containing sintered, polycrystalline zirconia (2003)), and by the glass and ceramics industries (Zirconia-Toughened Glass Ceramics (2019)). It is so strong that even scissors and knives can be made from it (Zirconia Raw Material, Sintered Zirconia Compact, Cutter, And Hand Cutting Tool (2011)). It is also used in cosmetics (Cosmetic Containing Zirconium Oxide Made To Adsorb Galenical Extract (2006)), and antiperspirants (An Antiperspirant Composition Comprising Zirconium (2019)).
Zircon mixed with vanadium or praseodymium makes blue and yellow pigments for glazing pottery:
References:
All patent information has been obtained from Espacenet (European Patent Office).