Niobium is a soft, gray transition metal valued for its superconducting properties and ability to strengthen steel when alloyed.
Properties of Niobium | It commonly exhibits a +5 oxidation state, has good corrosion resistance and contributes to high temperature strength in alloys.
Uses of Niobium | Found in minerals such as columbite and pyrochlore, niobium is used in superalloys, superconducting magnets and specialty steels.
Isotopes of Niobium | Stable isotope Nb 93 predominates; niobium metal is of low toxicity though fine powders require handling controls.