Niobium

Niobium, chemical element, symbol Nb; for physical constants see Periodic Table. Niobium was discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801. It occurs associated with tantalum in the minerals pyrochlore, and euxenite. It is obtained commercially from columbite-tantalite, a mixed oxide with tantalum and iron and manganese. The element is prepared by the high-temperature reaction of niobium oxide with niobium carbide in a vacuum. Niobium is a shiny, soft, white, ductile metal. Ferroniobium is used in arc-welding rods and stainless steels. Niobium is used in high temperature alloys and nuclear applications. Niobium is also known as columbium.