Neodymium
Definition and meaning of Neodymium in chemistry.
Neodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a silvery-white, moderately reactive rare-earth metal of the lanthanide series. When exposed to air, it slowly oxidizes to form a non-protective layer that eventually spalls off to expose fresh metal.
In more detail
Neodymium is positioned firmly in the f-block of the periodic table and serves as the fourth member of the lanthanides. It almost exclusively forms chemical compounds in the +3 oxidation state, which characteristically appear reddish-purple or pale violet depending on the specific lighting conditions. The element is widely notable for its exceptional magnetic properties, particularly its ability to form incredibly powerful permanent magnets when alloyed closely with iron and boron. Neodymium is found naturally in complex ores such as monazite and bastnasite, typically occurring alongside cerium and lanthanum. It reacts quite slowly with cold water but violently with hot water to yield neodymium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Its unique and sharp absorption bands in the visible light spectrum make it highly useful for coloring specialized glass and calibrating precision optical instruments.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Nd |
| Atomic number | 60 |
| Atomic mass | 144.24 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Melting point | 1024 °C |
| Year discovered | 1885 |
Neodymium is most famously used in Nd2Fe14B magnets, which are the strongest known type of permanent magnet, utilized heavily in everything from lightweight headphones to electric vehicle motors.
Frequently asked questions
Can neodymium magnets permanently lose their magnetism?
Yes, neodymium magnets can lose their powerful magnetic properties if they are exposed to high temperatures that exceed their specific Curie temperature.
Does neodymium change color in different lighting?
Neodymium glass exhibits dichroism, appearing pale purple in daylight or fluorescent light and distinctly reddish under incandescent lighting conditions.