- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationEducational
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 🪙
Nickel Day is observed every May 16, celebrating the fascinating transition metal with atomic number 28. This day encourages us to learn about nickel’s diverse applications, from industrial alloys to everyday items. Explore its unique properties, understand its role in technology, and discover its impact on our world.
Want to sponsor Nickel Day? Learn how
Expected Nickel Day Deals
As Nickel Day is a recognition of a scientific element rather than a commercial holiday, traditional retail deals are uncommon. However, you might find special offers from scientific supply companies like Fisher Scientific or VWR International on nickel-related lab equipment or compounds. Industrial suppliers such as Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) or Valbruna Stainless could highlight their nickel alloy products. Educational institutions and museums may offer discounted admission to exhibits featuring metallurgy or chemistry. We will update this page with confirmed live educational events or specialized industry promotions as May 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Nickel Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NickelDay. Share insights into nickel’s industrial applications or its role in sustainable technologies.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NickelDay. Post interesting facts about nickel’s properties, its discovery, or its presence in everyday objects.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create short educational videos explaining nickel’s atomic structure or its various uses in manufacturing.
Nickel Day Hero
Axel Fredrik Cronstedt
History of Nickel Day
Nickel Day is an opportunity for us to recognize and learn more about the element called ‘NIckel.’ Nickel is a metal that can be found in many everyday items. It can be dated back more than 2,000 years as it has been found in metallic artifacts from that time. The Swedish chemist — Axel Cronstedt — was the first to identify and isolate nickel as an element. This took place in 1751. Nickel is a ductile metal that is hard, malleable, and silvery-white. It is well-known for being an excellent heat and electrical conductor. Nickel is bivalent because it has a valency of two. It’s a metal that takes a long time to dissolve in dilute acids.
Coins of the United States of America were manufactured with nickel alloyed with copper by 1857. Switzerland began using pure nickel to manufacture coins in 1881. After years of coin scarcity, nickels flooded the market. Around 30 million nickels were printed between 1867 and 1868, according to records. Even when dimes and quarters became more popular, nickels remained the most practical coin. Coca-Cola beverages cost a cent when they first hit the market in 1886 and for 73 years, they stayed at that affordable price.
Nickels became even more prevalent when vending machines, jukeboxes, and slot machines became popular. In the 20th century, nickels were the ideal denomination for these machines. The culture of America has been built around the Nickel and has been used in different areas of everyday life.
Nickel Day timeline
Axel Cronstedt — a Swedish chemist —identifies and isolates the element.
Nickel alloyed with copper is used to make coins in America.
Switzerland begins using pure nickel to make coins.
In the U.S, bottles of Coca-Cola' are sold for a nickel.
Nickel Day FAQs
When is Nickel Day?
In 2027, Nickel Day falls on Sunday, May 16, providing a weekend to explore the element’s properties and wide-ranging applications. Consider learning about its role in various alloys and technologies.
What is nickel used for?
Beyond its well-known use in coins and stainless steel, nickel is crucial for electric vehicle batteries, aerospace components, and marine applications due to its durability. Its magnetic properties also make it useful in certain electronic devices and specialized tools.
How much nickel is produced annually?
The world’s annual nickel production is projected to reach approximately 3.4 million metric tons by 2027, driven largely by the expanding electric vehicle industry. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Russia are among the top producing countries.
Is nickel magnetic?
Nickel exhibits ferromagnetism, meaning it can be strongly magnetized and is attracted to magnets. This intrinsic property is a key reason for its use in many industrial and electronic components, from electromagnets to data storage.
Nickel Day Activities
Spend a nickel
You can participate in the holiday by spending a nickel. Find something that you can buy with the coin.
Learn more about nickels
This is a good time to learn more about the element. You can learn how to use it in a variety of ways.
Give someone a nickel
You can make someone smile by giving them a nickel. Everyone loves receiving money.
5 Uses Of Nickel That You Didn't Know About
Money
Nickel is used to make coins we spend as money.
Wires
Nickel is used for making and can be found in many wires.
It gets hot
Nickel is considered to be a good conductor of electricity and heat.
Rockets
Nickel is used in rocket engines because it can resist corrosion even at high temperatures.
Boats
Nickel is often used in the propeller shaft of boats to avoid corrosion by seawater.
Why We Love Nickel Day
Made to make nails
Nickel is used to make alloys which can be used to make nails, armor plating, or pipes. These are things that are used daily.
It doesn’t melt easily
The melting point of nickel is 2647 °F and its boiling point is 5275 °F. Cool isn't it? We are sure you didn't know that.
It has many uses
Nickel is useful and can be used to make a variety of items. Nickel also improves an alloy's corrosion resistance and capacity to endure severe temperatures, allowing equipment and parts constructed of nickel-bearing alloys to be used in hazardous environments.
Social Media Tips for Nickel Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands