(Chemical symbol: Cd). A malleable, ductile, toxic, bivalent metallic element added to plating to protect against corrosion, and used in bearing metals. It is also used in low-friction alloys, solders, brazing alloys, and nickel-cadmium storage batteries. Cadmium is found in nature as a carbonate or sulphide of certain zinc ores. Cadmium has an atomic weight of 112.41; atomic number, 48; specific gravity, 8.65; melting point, 321°C (610°F).