Neodymium was discovered by Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1885. He separated neodymium, along with praseodymium, from a substance called “didymium” through fractional crystallization of the didymium nitrate salts.
This discovery was significant because didymium had previously been thought to be a single element. Welsbach’s work demonstrated that it was actually a mixture of two distinct elements, leading to the identification of neodymium and praseodymium. The name “neodymium” originates from the Greek words ‘neos’ (new) and ‘didymos’ (twin), referring to its extraction from didymium.
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- Symbol: Nd
- Atomic Number: 60
- Atomic Weight: 144.242
- Element Classification: Lanthanide
- Discovered By: Carl Auer von Welsbach
- Discovery Date: 1885
- Name Origin: Greek: ‘neos didymos’ (new twin), for its close association with praseodymium, as they were both isolated from the element didymium
- Density(g/cc): 7.01
- Melting Point: 1024°C
- Boiling Point: 3074°C
- Appearance: Silvery-white, bright, soft, and malleable metal
- Atomic Radius(pm): 181
Relation to Other Elements
Neodymium is a member of the lanthanide series, a group of elements known for their similar chemical properties, including high reactivity and the ability to form trivalent (+3) ions. Neodymium is notable for its magnetic properties, particularly when alloyed with iron and boron to form Nd₂Fe₁₄B, which constitutes one of the strongest known permanent magnets.
Natural Occurrence
Neodymium is not found free in nature but is contained in several minerals, including monazite and bastnasite, which are important sources of rare earth elements. Although it is relatively abundant among the rare earth elements, neodymium must be extracted and separated from other lanthanides and minerals through complex metallurgical processes.
Uses
Neodymium has diverse and significant applications, mainly due to its magnetic properties:
- Magnets: Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets known. They are used in a wide range of applications, including in hard disk drives, electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, wind turbines, headphones, and loudspeakers.
- Lasers: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers are used for a variety of purposes, including in ophthalmology, for cutting materials, and in laser pointers.
- Colorants: Neodymium compounds are used to color glasses and enamels, ranging from shades of purple to wine red and gray.
- Catalysts: Neodymium is used as a catalyst in the polymerization of synthetic rubber.
The discovery of neodymium and its subsequent applications, particularly in the development of powerful permanent magnets, has had a profound impact on modern technology, enabling advances in electronics, renewable energy, and materials science.