Nióbio

Metallic element of transition, ash blued, soft and dútil. Z = 41; electronic configuration: [Kr]4d45s1; MA = 92,91; d = 8,57g.cm-3; PF = 2468Cº; FOOT = 4742Cº.

He happens in several minerals, as the niobita also known as columbita or tantalita: (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta) 2O6 and it is extracted by several methods, besides for reduction of the compound of fluoride K2NbF7 with sodium.

It is used in special steels and in committees of solders (to increase the mechanical resistance).

The leagues nióbio-zirconium is used in supercondutores chemically the element combines with halogênios and it rusts in the air to 200Cº.

He forms countless composed and complex with the metal in the states of oxidation 2, 3 and 5. The element was discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 and isolated for Blomstrand in 1864. Initially colúmbio was called.

The most important reservation of ore of nióbio of the Earth is in Brazil, in the area of Araxá, MG, where ore is superficial and the mine is to open sky.