Niobium
Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a light gray, ductile, and paramagnetic transition metal. Niobium is found in minerals pyrochlore and columbite. It is used in alloys, most notably in high-strength steel as it forms niobium carbide.
Niobium was discovered in 1801 by English chemist Charles Hatchett, who named it columbium (Cb) after the mineral columbite, from which it was isolated. In 1844, German chemist Heinrich Rose determined that columbite contained a second element, which he named niobium, after Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology. For a long time, niobium and tantalum were considered to be the same element due to their similar chemical properties. In 1864, Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand was the first to prepare pure niobium.
The name niobium was officially adopted by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 1949, although the name columbium is still used in some industries in the United States.
Niobium possesses a low neutron capture cross-section, making it suitable for use in nuclear applications. Other uses include superconducting magnets, jewelry (as an alternative to titanium due to its hypoallergenic properties), and various components of electronic devices. Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is used in optical lenses and as a catalyst.