Niobium (Nb)

Niobium (Nb)

Atomic Number: 41
Atomic Weight: 92.91
Melting Point: 2468
Boiling Point: 4742
Specific Gravity: 8.57
Valence(s): 2, 3, 4 or 5

Niobium was discovered by Hatchett in 1801, and prepared by Blomstrand in 1864. It is white, but turns blue after long exposure to air. Since Niobium is superconductive, it is used to construct superconductive magnets. Niobium is found in niobite and tantalite. It is named after Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus. [LM] {RW}