NIOBIUM (NB)

last update 01 oct 08

* Niobium is a member of the transition metals family:

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   NIOBIUM / Nb / 41

   A shiny, steel-gray, soft metal that strongly resists corrosion through
   formation of an oxide layer.  Only one isotope occurs in nature,
   Nb<93/41>; it is stable.

     atomic weight:       92.90638
     abundance:           33rd
     density:             8.57 g/cc
     melting point:       2,468 C
     boiling point:       4,742 C
     valence:             2 3 4? 5
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Niobium, sometimes also known as "columbium", is produced at the level of tens of thousands of tonnes a year. It is generally used as an alloying metal, particularly in stainless steels, to improve strength and resistance to corrosion. Zirconium-niobium alloy is particularly resistant to corrosion and is used in chemical processes. Niobium alloys are often used in surgical implants as well. Niobium-tin and niobium-titanium alloys are sometimes used in low-temperature superconductor circuitry.