Niobium Sample
Add this 99.99% pure niobium sample to your collection of the elements.
Comes in a labeled clear acrylic case with foam padding for convenient display.
Disc diameter: ⅞"
Acrylic case dimensions: 1 ⅛" x 1 ⅛" x ⅜"
NIOBIUM
Niobium (Nb), sometimes called columbium (Cb), is a pure chemical element with the atomic number 41.
Niobium does not occur on its own in nature, but instead is refined from minerals such as columbite. Brazil is the source of about 90% of the world’s supply and much of the remaining supply is mined in Canada.
Most niobium is alloyed with steel to make it stronger, but it is also well known for its superconducting properties. The superconducting magnets of particle accelerators, like the Large Hadron Collider, and other experimental equipment are made possible because of niobium alloys.
NASA and SpaceX have used niobium in rocket engine parts where superalloys are required that can withstand the extreme temperatures and forces of space travel.
When exposed to air at room temperature for a long time, you may notice the metal take on a bluish color.