This description provides an overview of Australia's position as the world's largest producer of niobium. Niobium is a soft, grey, ductile metal that is used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. Australia has a long history of niobium
Niobium is a chemical element; it has symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a light grey, crystalline transition metal. Pure niobium has a Mohs hardness rating similar to pure titanium, and it has similar ductility to iron. Niobium oxidizes in Earth's atmosphere very slowly, hence its application in jewelry as a hypoallergenic alternative to nickel. Niobium is found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite, as well as other minerals. Its name comes from Greek mythology: Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, the namesake of tantalum. The name reflects the great similarity between the two elements in their physical and chemical properties, which makes them difficult to distinguish.