History of Niobium
The history of niobium or columbium and tantalum are closely connected with each other.
In its natural state, niobium is always accompanied by tantalum which has a very similar chemical behaviour.
In the year 1801, the British chemist Hatchett analyzed a heavy, dark stone which was found in North America. Hatchett discovered in that stone a new element and called it “columbium”, to indicate the origin of the stone.
The present day’s name “niobium” was given to the new element by its second discoverer H. Rose. Rose chose the name “niobium” because of its close relationship with tantalum. (In Greek mythology, Niobe was Tantalos’ daughter.)
The earth’s crust consists of about 5 g/t of niobium which occurs about as frequently as copper. The most important sources are in Brazil, but North America and China also possess important deposits.
The principal niobium minerals are columbite and tantalite. Most of the extracted niobium is used as a ferro-alloy addition in the production of high-grade steels and superalloys. Niobium oxide is used as a catalyst and in the production of special glass. Only about 5% of the ores are processed to pure niobium and niobium alloys. The concentrates obtained from the ores are dissolved by hydrofluoric acid and mixed solutions of niobium and tantalum fluorides result. These are separated by solvent extraction.
Zhengzhou Sanhui Co., Ltd has been manufacturing niobium and niobium alloys for many years. In addition, our production programme includes a large range of the other refractory metals: molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and other metal products.
In its natural state, niobium is always accompanied by tantalum which has a very similar chemical behaviour.
In the year 1801, the British chemist Hatchett analyzed a heavy, dark stone which was found in North America. Hatchett discovered in that stone a new element and called it “columbium”, to indicate the origin of the stone.
The present day’s name “niobium” was given to the new element by its second discoverer H. Rose. Rose chose the name “niobium” because of its close relationship with tantalum. (In Greek mythology, Niobe was Tantalos’ daughter.)
The earth’s crust consists of about 5 g/t of niobium which occurs about as frequently as copper. The most important sources are in Brazil, but North America and China also possess important deposits.
The principal niobium minerals are columbite and tantalite. Most of the extracted niobium is used as a ferro-alloy addition in the production of high-grade steels and superalloys. Niobium oxide is used as a catalyst and in the production of special glass. Only about 5% of the ores are processed to pure niobium and niobium alloys. The concentrates obtained from the ores are dissolved by hydrofluoric acid and mixed solutions of niobium and tantalum fluorides result. These are separated by solvent extraction.
Zhengzhou Sanhui Co., Ltd has been manufacturing niobium and niobium alloys for many years. In addition, our production programme includes a large range of the other refractory metals: molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and other metal products.
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