Neodymium

Neodymium (pronounced /ˌniː.ɵˈdɪmiəm/ NEE-o-DIM-ee-əm) is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal which tarnishes in air. Neodymium was discovered in 1885. Its various compounds are present in trace amounts in minerals monazite and bastnäsite. Pure neodymium is not found naturally and it is usually refined for general use. Neodymium has several important applications: it is a constituent of neodymium... more

Neodymium (pronounced /ˌniː.ɵˈdɪmiəm/ NEE-o-DIM-ee-əm) is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal which tarnishes in air. Neodymium was discovered in 1885. Its various compounds are present in trace amounts in minerals monazite and bastnäsite. Pure neodymium is not found naturally and it is usually refined for general use. Neodymium has several important applications: it is a constituent of neodymium magnets, which are widely used in motors, loudspeakers and numerous appliances. Neodymium is a popular additive in glass, giving it a characteristic reddish-purple color; this glass is used in lasers emitting infrared light with the wavelength of 1.054-1.062 micrometers. Neodymium is also used in Nd:YAG lasers to generate 1.064 micrometer light. This is one of the most significant solid state lasers. Neodymium is a key component of an alloy used to make high-power lightweight magnets for electric motors of hybrid cars, and in generators for... less