Niobium, also called columbium, is a transition metal with a very high melting point. It is in greatest demand in industrialized countries, like the United States, because of its defense-related uses in the aerospace, energy and transportation industries. Niobium is used mostly to make high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel and stainless steel. HSLA steels are used in large-diameter pipes for oil and natural gas pipelines and automobile wheels.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Title | Mineral Resource of the Month: Niobium |
| Authors | John F. Papp |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Earth |
| Index ID | 70101297 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | National Minerals Information Center |