What is niobium?
Niobium, also known as columbium, is a chemical element with the symbol Nb (formerly Cb) and atomic number 41. Niobium is a light grey, crystalline, and ductile transition metal. Pure niobium has a Mohs hardness rating similar to that of pure titanium, and it has similar ductility to iron.
What is the hardness of niobium?
Pure niobium has a Mohs hardness rating similar to that of pure titanium, and it has similar ductility to iron. Niobium oxidizes in the earth’s atmosphere very slowly, hence its application in jewelry as a hypoallergenic alternative to nickel.
How does niobium resist corrosion?
Niobium resists corrosion due to the oxide film. The metal starts to oxidize rapidly in air at 200 oC. Niobium’s chemical properties are very similar to those of tantalum. Niobium is one of the five major refractory metals (metals with very high resistance to heat and wear).
Is niobium toxic to humans?
Some niobium compounds are highly toxic. Niobium is a shiny, white, ductile metal. In air an oxide layer forms whose color depends on its thickness. Shades of blue, green and yellow are typical. Niobium resists corrosion due to the oxide film.
Why is it difficult to identify niobium and tantalum?
Due to the great chemical similarity of niobium and tantalum, the establishment of the individual identities of the two elements was very difficult.
What are the pros and cons of niobium?
One main benefit of niobium is the minimal maintenance required to keep it lustrous and shiny. The metal is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. Because the surface colors don’t flake off or wear away, you don’t need to periodically replate it as you would white gold.
What does niobium look like when polished?
The pure metal is soft and ductile; it looks like steel or, when polished, like platinum. Although it has excellent corrosion resistance, niobium is susceptible to oxidation above about 400° C (750° F). Niobium can best be dissolved in a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acids.
What are Niobium earrings?
Niobium’s natural colors, as featured in these earrings, set it apart from other metals. Niobium is a gray colored element that was discovered in the 1800s, by chemist Charles Hatchett. It’s produced both as a pure metal and in alloys.
Is columbium the same as nihonium?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Not to be confused with nihonium. Niobium, also known as columbium, is a chemical element with the symbol Nb (formerly Cb) and atomic number 41. Niobium is a light grey, crystalline, and ductile transition metal.