(Chemical symbol: V). A rare bright white ductile metallic element usually found in nature as a compound of lead or lead and copper. It is used in the production of steel to promote control of grain size and provide corrosion resistance and hardenability. The addition of vanadium tends to produce fine grain structure during the heat treating process. Because of this property, vanadium often eliminates the harmful effects of overheating. Once used in armor plate, its principal application is in high-speed steels.
