niobium [Nb, columbium]

Introduction

From Greek mythology, Niobe, the daughter of Tantulus, because of its position in the periodic table above tantulum. Discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801.

Occurrence

• originally discovered in columbite

Characteristics

• lustrous platinum-gray ductile metallic element
  • takes a bluish tinge when exposed to air for long periods
  • soft & ductile
• resembles tantalum chemically

Uses

• alloys
  • niobium-stabilized steel is very heat resistant
• superconductors
• welding rods
• cutting tools
• pipelines
• jewelry

More general terms

• chemical element
• metal

Additional terms

• periodic table

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=23936