Sometimes referred to by the name columbium, niobium is a refractory metal used in alloys, tools and dies, and superconductive magnets. Niobium is closely associated with tantalum. Niobium has allowed great advances in metallurgy. By adding tiny amounts, it can change the flexibility of steel! This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Paula Piilonen, research scientist and mineralogy section head, Canadian Museum of Nature, and Anabel Lanterna, research associate, Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa.

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