niobium

Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, ductile transition metal in group 5, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. Niobium forms a protective oxide layer (Nb2O5) that helps it resist many acids and aggressive environments. It has a high melting point of about 2,477°C and a density near 8.57 g/cm³. Common oxidation states are +5 and +3, with Nb(V) compounds being especially important in industrial uses.

Occurrence and production: Niobium occurs mainly in minerals such as pyrochlore and columbite-tantalite, usually associated with tantalum. It is typically mined as a by-product of tantalum mining and is a major component of several supply sources in Brazil, Canada, and other countries.

History and name: The element was discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett and was originally named columbium. In 1949, the name niobium was adopted by IUPAC, with the symbol Nb retained.

Isotopes: Niobium has a single stable isotope, Nb-93, and many radioactive isotopes with short half-lives that have been studied in research settings.

Uses: Niobium is widely used to strengthen steel alloys, improving toughness and high-temperature performance in pipelines, aircraft components, and other structural materials. It is essential in superconducting magnet technology, used in Nb-Ti and Nb3Sn alloys for MRI machines and particle accelerators. Niobium is also valued for jewelry and decorative coatings because it is biocompatible and can be anodized to display a range of colors.

Safety: Niobium compounds are generally considered to have low toxicity, and the metal is regarded as biocompatible in many applications.