Symbol: Nb
Atomic number: 41
Atomic weight: 92.906
Soft, ductile grey-blue metallic transition element. Used in special
steels and in welded joints to increase strength. Combines with halogens
and oxidizes in air at 200 degrees celsius. Discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 and isolated by Blomstrand in 1864. Called columbium originally.