Back to Elements
    Nb

    Niobium

    Transition Metal

    Atomic Number: 41 • Atomic Mass: 92.9060 u • Period: 5 • Group: 5

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s¹ 4d⁴
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 1.6
    Zirconium (Zr)Molybdenum (Mo)
    OverviewPropertiesAtomic StructureOccurrenceApplicationsHistory

    Occurrence

    Niobium is found in various natural sources, including minerals, rocks, and the Earth's crust.

    • 33rd most abundant element in Earth's crust (0.002%)
    • Never found as free metal in nature
    • Primary mineral is columbite-tantalite ((Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)₂O₆)
    • Major deposits in Brazil, Canada, Australia, and Nigeria
    • Often occurs alongside tantalum due to similar properties