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niobium [Nb, columbium]
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:
1) lustrous platinum-gray ductile metallic element
a) takes a bluish tinge when exposed to air for long periods
b) soft & ductile
2) resembles tantalum chemically
Uses:
1) alloys
-> niobium-stabilized steel is very heat resistant
2) superconductors
3) welding rods
4) cutting tools
5) pipelines
6) jewelry
Related
NB gene mutation
niobium measurement
periodic table
General
chemical element
metal
Properties
SIZE: AW = 92.906
atomic number
VALUE: 41
VALENCE: KR 4D4 5S1
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=23936
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003