* Niobium is a member of the transition metals family:
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NIOBIUM / Nb / 41
A shiny, steel-gray, soft metal that strongly resists corrosion through
formation of an oxide layer. Only one isotope occurs in nature,
Nb<93/41>; it is stable.
atomic weight: 92.90638
abundance: 33rd
density: 8.57 gm/cc
melting point: 2,468 C
boiling point: 4,742 C
valence: 2 3 4? 5
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Niobium, sometimes also known as "columbium", is produced at the level of tens of thousands of tonnes a year. It is generally used as an alloying metal, particularly in stainless steels, to improve strength and resistance to corrosion. Zirconium-niobium alloy is particularly resistant to corrosion, and is used in chemical processes. Niobium alloys are often used in surgical implants as well. Niobium-tin and niobium-titanium alloys are sometimes used in low-temperature superconductor circuitry.
