Niobium
Atomic symbol: Nb
Atomic number: 41
Atomic mass: 92.91
Appearance: Light gray crystalline solid at 25°C, bluish when oxidized
Group: 5
Period: 5
Series: Transition metals
Block: d
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d⁴ 5s¹
Used in jet engines, alloys with iron, heat resistant equipment, and in jewellery.
One of 5 major refractory metals- metals with very high resistance to heat and wear. (Tungsten, Molybdenum, Rhenium, Tantalum, and Niobium)
Fun Fact! Niobium is named for the Greek goddess of tears, Niobe, who was the daughter of king Tantalus, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry, due to the element’s similarities to tantalum (named for the king).