Niobium
🧲 In Your World
Niobium is a critical component in high-performance materials. When added to steel, it creates incredibly strong and lightweight alloys used in gas pipelines, jet engines, and rocket subassemblies. Its most "super" property is that it becomes a superconductor at very low temperatures, making it essential for the powerful magnets used in MRI scanners and particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider.
📖 The Discovery Story
Niobium has a confusing history intertwined with Tantalum. In 1801, English chemist Charles Hatchett discovered a new element in a mineral from America and named it columbium (Cb). For decades, it was thought to be the same element as tantalum. In 1846, German chemist Heinrich Rose proved they were two different elements and named the new one "niobium" after Niobe, the daughter of the mythological Greek king Tantalus (for whom tantalum was named). The name niobium was officially adopted in 1949.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Melting Point | 2477 °C / 4491 °F |
| Boiling Point | 4744 °C / 8571 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [Kr] 4d⁴5s¹ |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.002% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Niobium metal is considered physiologically inert and relatively non-toxic, making it safe for use in medical implants. However, as with many metals, inhaling niobium dust or fumes over a prolonged period should be avoided as it can cause irritation.