NIOBIUM ( Nb ) (41) ( Columbium )

We use the highest quality niobium available to create our jewelry.

Niobium, a rarely used metal, is relatively new to the family of metals used by artists. Its name is derived from the mythological Greek Goddess Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus.

Niobium (NB) is an element. Its atomic number is 41 and has an atomic weight of 92.9064. Niobium has an extremely high melting point of approximately 4,470 degrees Fahrenheit (2468-2740 C). Boiling point of approximately 9261 F (4742 - 4927C) Density 8.4, Electrical Conductivity 0.08, Thermal Conductivity .125. The major Niobium producing countries are Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, Zaire and Russia. The United States does not mine Niobium and, therefore, has to import it.

Due to the limited quantities geologists have located in the Earth's crust, this beautiful metal has a value many times higher than silver. It is not to be confused with its family member Titanium. Monetarily, comparing Titanium to Niobium is like comparing copper to silver.

Niobium was discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 . Hatchett found niobium in columbite ore that was sent to England in the 1750s by John Winthrop who was the first governor of Connecticut . There was a considerable amount of confusion about the difference between the closely-related niobium and tantalum that wasn't resolved until 1846 by Heinrich Rose and Charles Marignac who rediscovered the element. Since Rose was unaware of Hatchett's work he gave the element a different name, niobium. In 1864 Christian Blomstrand was the first to prepare the metal. He did this by reducing niobium chloride by heating it in a hydrogen atmosphere.

Columbium was the name originally given to this element by Hatchet but the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) officially adopted "niobium" as the name for element 41 in 1950 after 100 years of controversy. Many leading chemical societies and government organizations refer to it by the official IUPAC name but most leading metallurgists, metal societies, and most leading American commercial producers still refer to the metal by the original "columbium."

The property that makes it a jeweler's pleasure to work with is its ability to create durable, permanent, hypoallergenic, iridescent colors. These colors are brought out in the metal by using a special process called Anodization. Heat is applied precisely, allowing the jeweler to manipulate the molecular structure of the metal. Electric current running through the metal oxidizes, activates and excites the special qualities of the material. The colors you see are pure refracted Interference patterns of light through the varied transparent oxide thickness.

When using this process, we create for you a vivid example of using a beautiful metal to make fine hand crafted jewelry. Thanks to modern technology, we have the ability to introduce a new style of jewelry that will incorporate our traditional as well as contemporary designs.

Other Uses:
When Niobium is combined with and steel it makes makes a strong materials that is resistant to high temperatures. When pure Niobium's temperature is lowered, it becomes a superconductor, used to make super conducting magnets. Niobium (Nb) is also used to produce special space-age alloys.

Niobium are used in, cobalt and iron -base superalloys for such applications as jet engine components, rocket subassemblies, and heat-resisting and combustion equipment. For example, advanced air frame systems such as those used in the Gemini program used this metal.

Care of your Niobium Jewelry *
Congratulations on your purchase of a piece of Niobium Jewelry!! Welcome to the exciting world of Multi-Colors! The multi-colors come from a build up of transparent oxides. The main thing to remember is not to use any abrasive polish or cloth that would wear those oxides down. Your fingers are very abrasive, so constant rubbing could dull the colors. If you ever want to clean Niobium, use Windex or a mild soap and water. Dry with a soft cloth. The color of Niobium does not naturally break down. If care is taken, the colors will last many years into the future.....

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