Used in the production of metallic zirconium through molten salt electrolysis. Serves as a key component in fluoride glass formulations, particularly in heavy metal fluoride glasses (HMFG) used in infrared optics and fiber optics due to its ability to lower phonon energy and improve transparency in the mid-infrared range. Employed in nuclear reactors as a neutron moderator and in fuel processing due to zirconium’s low neutron absorption cross-section. Also utilized in dental and industrial ceramics for enhancing chemical resistance and thermal stability. Plays a role in semiconductor manufacturing as an etching agent in certain vapor deposition processes.