Neodymium
Definition and meaning of Neodymium in chemistry.
![Neodymium element card: symbol Nd, atomic number 60, atomic mass 144.24, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s², oxidation states +3, Lanthanide, f-block, period 6, solid at room temperature.](/assets/images/terms/neodymium-chemical-element.webp)
Neodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a silvery-white metal belonging to the rare-earth series. Air slowly oxidizes it to form a weak layer that eventually flakes off to expose fresh metal.
In more detail
Neodymium sits in the f-block of the periodic table as the fourth member of the lanthanide series. A lanthanide is a specific group of rare metallic elements with similar chemical properties. Neodymium mostly forms chemical compounds in the +3 oxidation state, meaning it loses three electrons.
These compounds often look reddish-purple or pale violet, depending on the exact lighting conditions. The element is widely famous for its exceptionally strong and useful magnetic properties. It forms very powerful permanent magnets when it is mixed with iron and boron.
This specific mixture of metals creates an alloy that is incredibly strong. Neodymium occurs naturally in complex ores, which are solid rocks containing valuable minerals. Miners usually extract it from monazite and bastnasite alongside cerium and lanthanum.
The pure metal reacts slowly with cold water but reacts violently with hot water. This violent reaction produces solid neodymium hydroxide and releases flammable hydrogen gas. Neodymium also absorbs specific colors of visible light, making it useful for coloring specialized glass.
It also helps engineers properly calibrate precision optical tools and scientific equipment. Scientists highly value neodymium as an active material for building solid-state lasers. These specific lasers are heavily utilized across both the medical and industrial fields.
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 to manufacture Nd2Fe14B magnets for commercial applications. These magnets are the strongest known permanent magnets on Earth. Manufacturers put them in lightweight headphones and rely on them for electric vehicle motors.
Frequently asked questions
Can neodymium magnets permanently lose their magnetism?
Yes, they can permanently lose their strong magnetic properties if exposed to extreme heat. This happens if the temperature exceeds their specific Curie temperature. The Curie temperature is the exact point where a material loses its permanent magnetism.
Does neodymium change color in different lighting?
Yes, neodymium glass shows a fascinating optical property known formally as dichroism. It looks pale purple in daylight or under standard fluorescent light. However, it looks distinctly reddish under normal incandescent lighting conditions.
Related terms
Sources & references
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