Niobium Facts

Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, grey, ductile transition metal that is found in the Earth's crust, where it is often associated with tantalum.

Some key facts about niobium include:

1. Niobium has a melting point of 2,468 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 4,927 degrees Celsius.

2. It has a density of 8.57 grams per cubic centimeter.

3. Niobium is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, with an estimated concentration of 20-25 parts per million.

4. It is used primarily as an alloying agent in steel and other metals to improve their strength and corrosion resistance.

5. Niobium is also used in superconducting materials, such as those used in MRI machines and particle accelerators.

6. The largest producers of niobium are Brazil and Canada, which together account for over 90% of global production.

7. Niobium has five stable isotopes and several radioactive isotopes.

8. It was first discovered in 1801 by English chemist Charles Hatchett, but it was not isolated in pure form until 1864 by Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.

9. Niobium has a number of unique properties, including its ability to form protective oxide layers, its resistance to corrosion in many environments, and its biocompatibility, which make it useful in a variety of applications.

10. Despite its importance in industry and technology, niobium is not considered to be a toxic element and is generally safe for human exposure.