What Is Neodymium and How Do You Pronounce It?
Neodymium is pronounced nee-oh-DIM-ee-um. It’s a silvery-white metal, element 60 on the periodic table, with the symbol Nd. It belongs to the rare earth elements, and its best-known use is in neodymium (NdFeB) magnets, the strongest permanent magnets you can buy.
Pronunciation: nee-oh-DIM-ee-um
Group: lanthanides (rare earth elements)
Discovered: 1885, by Carl Auer von Welsbach
Where the Name Comes From
The name comes from the Greek neos didymos, “new twin.” Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach separated it in 1885 from a material called didymium, which turned out to be two elements: neodymium and praseodymium.
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Nd
- Atomic number
- 60
- Element group
- Lanthanides (rare earths)
- Appearance
- Silvery-white metal that tarnishes in air
- Main ores
- Bastnäsite and monazite
Is Neodymium Actually Rare?
Not very. “Rare earth” is a historical name. Neodymium is more common in Earth’s crust than lead. What’s hard is separating it: rare earth elements are found mixed together in ores and take many chemical steps to purify.
What Is Neodymium Used For?
Magnets
By far the biggest use. Neodymium plus iron and boron makes NdFeB magnets.
Lasers
Nd:YAG and neodymium-glass lasers are used in industry, medicine and research.
Glass and Filters
Neodymium tints glass purple and is used in welding and glassblowing eyewear.