niobium

Definition

Niobium is a silvery-white metal that is often used in superconductors and superalloys. It is also used in nuclear reactors and in some medical implants.

Niobium is a transition metal, which means that it has some properties of metals and some properties of nonmetals. It is hard and strong, but it is also ductile and malleable. Niobium is also resistant to corrosion.

Niobium is found naturally in the Earth's crust in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite. It is also produced as a byproduct of the mining of other metals, such as tin and tungsten.

Niobium is a valuable metal because it is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It is also relatively inexpensive.

How can the word be used?

Niobium is a silvery-white metal that is resistant to corrosion.

Different forms of the word

Noun: A chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41.

Adjective: Relating to niobium.

Etymology

The word "niobium" comes from the name of Niobe, a daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology. Niobe was a proud woman who boasted that she was better than the goddess Leto. Leto had two children, Apollo and Artemis, and Niobe had seven sons and seven daughters. Niobe's children were killed by Apollo and Artemis, and Niobe was turned to stone by Zeus.

Question

What is niobium?