Description
Shiny, soft, ductile metal that develops a bluish cast after oxidizing in air at room temperature over a long time or after heating to 200 deg C; [http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/41.html]
Sources/Uses
There are 18 known isotopes. Ores (niobite or columbite, niobite-tantalite, parochlore, and euxenite) are known in Canada, Brazil, Nigeria, Zaire, and Russia. Used in welding rods, jewelry, and superconductive magnets; Was used in the space program for advanced air frame systems; [http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/41.html] Used in superalloys containing up to 5% niobium to make gas turbine components; [Ullmann]