Niobium
| Symbol | Nb |
| Atomic Number | 41 |
| Atomic Mass | 92.906 g.mol -1 |
| Discovered by | Charles Hatchett in 1801 |
Chemical Properties of Niobium
| Group | 5 | Melting point | 2410 °C |
| Period | 5 | Boiling point | 5100 °C |
| Block | d | Density (g cm−3) | 8.57 |
| Atomic number | 41 | Relative atomic mass | 92.906 |
| State at 20°C | Solid | Key isotopes | 93Nb |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d4 5s1 | CAS number | 7440-03-1 |
| ChemSpider ID | 22378 | ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database |
What is Niobium?
- Niobium is a chemical element with atomic number 41 and represented with the symbol Nb in the Periodic Table.
- It is a soft, ductile transition metal, which is resistant to corrosion due to the presence of oxide layer on its surface.
- It is one of the most common elements found in the Earth’s Crust. It is often found in the pyrochlore mineral.
Uses of Niobium
- It is used in stainless steel alloys for cutting tools, nuclear reactors, jets, missiles, and welding rods.
- It is used in the manufacturing of MRI scanners and NMR equipment.
- Its alloys are used in making surgical implants.
- It is used for the production of stainless steel and high-temperature resistant alloys.
Properties of Niobium
- At cryogenic temperatures, Niobium becomes a superconductor.
- Niobium and its compounds are toxic to some extent.
- When exposed to air at room temperature, metal takes on a bluish tinge for extended periods.
- Niobium comprises of one stable isotope in the Earth’s crust.
Certain Facts About Niobium
- In united states, the element was called columbium (symbol Cb) for about 100 years while it was called niobium in Europe.
- There are around 18 known isotopes of niobium.