Neodymium, a rare earth element, makes powerful magnets.
Neodymium is a metallic chemical element classified in the rare earth group of the periodic table. Despite being “rare” in its elemental group, neodymium is relatively abundant in the earth’s crust, usually in compounds that form various minerals. It can also be found in some mixed metallic ores, which are processed in a variety of ways to produce separate metallic products. Consumers are probably most familiar with neodymium in the form of extremely powerful magnets made from neodymium alloy.
On the periodic table, neodymium is identified by the symbol Nd and has an atomic number of 60.
In appearance, the item is silver in color and extremely shiny. However, it oxidizes quickly, so it must be stored in mineral oil or other neutral conditions so that the bright color is maintained. Neodymium also has a number of salts and isotopes that are used in various industrial applications; the appearance of these derived elements varies. In the periodic table, the element is identified by the symbol Nd, and it has the atomic number 60. It rarely occurs in a pure form in nature, due to its reactivity with air.
Neodymium is generally stored in an inert environment such as mineral oil.
Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach is usually credited with discovering this element in 1885. He was conducting studies on a material known as didymium, which was discovered by Carl Mosander in 1841 and he eventually used a fractional distillation technique to extract neodymium from this compound. Mosander believed that the discovery of it was a new element and gave it the name from the Greek didymos, meaning “twin”, referring to its similarity to lanthanum. Welsbach called his discovery a “new twin” after realizing that didymium was not in fact a pure element.
Neodymium compounds are sometimes given as intravenous anticoagulants.
A pure form was not isolated until 1925, and it took several years to develop an affordable technique to extract it. In addition to being used in magnets, the element is used in optical materials, glass staining, ceramic glazes, and various metal alloys. Neodymium is a common component of misch metal, a metal alloy used in things like flintlock guns for lighters. Sometimes these compounds are also given as intravenous anticoagulants.
Like other rare earth metals, this element is believed to have low to moderate toxicity. Metal dust can certainly irritate mucous membranes, such as those found in the mouth, nose, eyes, and lungs. Care should also be taken with neodymium fumes and vapors that are produced when the metal is processed, and people may want to avoid ingesting it if possible.