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Nb

Niobium, symbol Nb and atomic number 41, is a soft, silver-gray transition metal known for a high melting point, excellent corrosion resistance, and strong ductility. It forms stable oxides and is widely used in steel alloys and superconducting technologies.

Discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett, niobium was originally named columbium. In 1949 IUPAC adopted the name

Niobium occurs together with tantalum in oxide minerals such as columbite and tantalite (the coltan group)

In addition to its metallic properties, niobium's alloys are prized for strength and superconductivity. Pure niobium

Key applications include strengthening steel to improve creep resistance and toughness at high temperatures, and superconducting

Safety and environmental: Niobium compounds are considered relatively non-toxic, but mining and refining can pose environmental

niobium
as
the
official
term
to
avoid
confusion
with
tantalum,
and
the
symbol
Nb
reflects
that
name;
the
older
name
remains
in
some
contexts.
and
in
pyrochlore.
Major
producers
include
Brazil,
Canada,
Australia,
and
the
Democratic
Republic
of
Congo.
Nb
is
refined
from
niobium
pentoxide
(Nb2O5)
and
then
converted
to
metal
for
industrial
use.
has
a
melting
point
of
2477°C
and
a
density
of
8.57
g/cm3.
It
is
highly
resistant
to
corrosion
and
becomes
superconductive
below
about
9.2
kelvin.
It
is
foundational
in
superconducting
materials
such
as
NbTi
and
Nb3Sn
magnets.
magnets
for
MRI
machines
and
particle
accelerators.
Nb
is
also
used
in
specialized
equipment
for
chemical
processing
and
in
decorative
jewelry
due
to
its
ability
to
take
vivid
anodized
colors.
and
occupational
hazards,
especially
in
dust
form.
Proper
handling
and
waste
management
are
standard
in
Nb
mining
and
processing.