Niobium

Niobium (formerly Columbium) is a light gray, very ductile and highly colorable metal weighing about twice as much as titanium. It is used in electrical devises, high temperature alloys (melting point 4,475°F), chemical handling and super conducting alloys.

Niobium is extremely ductile and slow to work harden. Cold forging can be very fast. Simple die forming can be done with masonite dies and even wood tools. Its formability, price and very broad coloring range make it the friendliest of the reactive metals for jewelry.

About the author: Bill Seeley is president and founder of Reactive Metals Studio, Inc. He is considered an expert in this field with over fourteen years experience as artist, teacher and consultant. This excerpt was compiled from "Studio Preparation and Coloring of Titanium" Bill's Masters Thesis completed at the University of Kansas. If you have questions please feel free to call 800/876-3434 or FAX 520/634-6734.

Author: Bill Seeley
ArtMetal Editor/Curator: enrique

Last Updated:Thu, May 1, 1997