Niobium - Element Properties and Periodic Table Information

Niobium - An element from the Periodic Table based on the IOUPAC 1985 standard

Chemical Elements

Periodic Table

Definition of the Niobium Element
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.

Origin / Meaning of the name 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.

Classification of the Niobium Element
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.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Niobium Element
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 the Niobium Element
Obtained from columbite

Associated Uses of Niobium
Tantalum capacitor
Steel alloys
Tantalum plating
Hot metal spraying
Arc welding
Super-conductivity research
 

The Properties of the Niobium Element
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

Niobium and the Periodic Table
Check out Niobium on the Periodic Table which arranges each 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 information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Niobium - 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 and 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.
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The Element Niobium

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