Facts about the
Definition of the Element Niobium
The Element Niobium is defined as...
A silvery, soft, ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly in
columbite-tantalite and is used in steel alloys, arc welding, and
superconductivity research. This element is still widely referred
to by its original name - Columbium.
Interesting Facts
about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Niobium
What are the origins of the word Niobium ?
Name Origin - Columbium was the name originally given to this
element by Hatchet but IUPAC officially adopted "niobium" as the
name originally given by Heinrich Rose in 1846. The word Niobium
originates from Niobe, daughter of mythical Greek king Tantalus.
Facts about the
Classification of the Element Niobium
Niobium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in
Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as a
Transition Metals is ductile, malleable, and able to conduct
electricity and heat.
Brief Facts about the
Discovery and History of the Element Niobium
Niobium was discovered by Charles Hatchet in 1801 in the columbite
ore that was sent to England in the 1750s by John Winthrop, the
first governor of Connecticut. Hatchet therefore gave it the name
Columbium. Heinrich Rose and Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac
rediscovered the element in 1846. Christian Blomstrand was the
first to prepare the metal in 1864.
Occurrence of the
element Niobium in
the Atmosphere
Obtained from columbite
Common Uses of Niobium
Tantalum capacitor
Steel alloys
Tantalum plating
Hot metal spraying
Arc welding
Super-conductivity research
The Properties of the Element Niobium
Name of Element : Niobium
Symbol of Element : Nb
Atomic Number of Niobium : 41
Atomic Mass: 92.90638 amu
Melting Point: 2468.0 °C - 2741.15 °K
Boiling Point: 4927.0 °C - 5200.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Niobium : 41
Number of Neutrons in Niobium : 52
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 8.57 g/cm3
Color of Niobium : silvery white
The element Niobium and the Periodic Table
Find out more facts about Niobium on the Periodic Table which
arranges every chemical element according to its atomic number, as
based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar
properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to
use - just click on the symbol for Niobium for additional facts and
info and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting
Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc of Niobium with any other
element. An invaluable source for more interesting facts and
information about the Niobium element and as a Chemistry reference
guide.
Facts and Info about
the element Argon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the
International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985
which includes the Niobium element. The famous Russian Scientist,
Dimitri Mendeleev, perceived the correct classification method of
"the periodic table" for the 65 elements which were known in his
time. Niobium was discovered by Charles Hatchet in 1801. The Standardised Periodic Table now recognises more periods
and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day but still all
fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which
Niobium is
just one element that can be found.
