Columbite
The principal source of niobium
Overview
Columbite is an iron manganese niobate and the primary commercial source of niobium. It occurs alongside tantalite in the granite formations of Nigeria's tin belt, and the two are frequently found together as columbite-tantalite.
Applications
Structural steel
Niobium strengthens steel dramatically at very low concentrations. A fraction of a percent produces high-strength low-alloy steel used in pipelines, bridges and building frames.
Aerospace
Niobium superalloys hold their strength at extreme temperatures, which puts them in jet engine components and rocket assemblies.
Superconductors
Niobium-titanium and niobium-tin alloys are the standard superconducting materials in MRI scanners and particle accelerators.
Electronics
Niobium capacitors serve as an alternative to tantalum in some applications.
Our supply
- Availability:
- Enquire for current grades and volumes
- Origin:
- Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Documentation:
- Chain of custody provided with every consignment