Home > Chemical Elements > Niobium

Overview

Niobium is a transition metal in Group 5 (VB) of the periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that shows how chemical elements relate to one another.

Niobium has a very interesting history. It was discovered by English chemist Charles Hatchett (1765-1847) in 1801. Hatchett found the element in a stone sent from North America. He named the element columbium. For years, scientists argued about the correct name for the element. Some still call the element columbium, although the official name is now niobium.

Niobium is used in many alloys. An alloy is made by melting and mixing two or more metals. The mixture has properties different from those of the individual metals. Niobium alloys are used in items that come into contact with the human body, such as rings for pierced ears, nose, and other body parts. Niobium is used in this kind of...