Niobium has a similar structure to Tantalum and is produced in a similar method. It too has a very high melting point of around 2470°C. It has excellent corrosive resistance and has good cold ductility. It is however half as dense as Tantalum.
Applications include;
sintering trays and boats, special chemical applications, superconductors, medical components, jet engine parts and is used in the lighting industry.
