Neodymium – what is it?
Neodymium and its uses
Neodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and belongs to the rare-earth elements. It is particularly important because it is used to manufacture extremely powerful neodymium magnets, which are found in many modern technologies.
- it belongs to the rare-earth elements,
- it is essential for the production of neodymium magnets,
- it is used in electronics, industry and medicine,
- it has enabled the miniaturisation of many devices,
- it is part of technologies we use every day.
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Neodymium
What is neodymium and what are its properties?
History of neodymium
Occurrence in nature
Production and uses
Uses of neodymium
Neodymium deposits around the world
Neodymium
The word neodymium can refer to several things, but there is only one chemical element behind the name – the metallic element with the symbol Nd. This article takes a closer look at it.
What is neodymium and what are its properties?
Neodymium is one of the more reactive metallic elements. It belongs to the rare-earth elements. Despite their name, these elements are not particularly rare in the Earth's crust, although economically viable deposits are limited.
Neodymium is a ductile and malleable silvery-white metal. It oxidises readily in air, so it must be stored in a way that protects it from the surrounding environment.
It is strongly paramagnetic, moderately toxic and may irritate the eyes.
Neodymium cylinder magnet dia. 6x4 N
Strong cylindrical neodymium magnet suitable for technical and hobby applications.
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Neodymium cylinder magnet dia. 10x1.5 N
Compact magnet with high magnetic strength relative to its size.
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History of neodymium
Neodymium was discovered in Vienna in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach. He isolated it by separating the components of didymium through repeated crystallisation.
A sample of pure neodymium metal was first produced in 1925.
Occurrence in nature
The main sources of neodymium are the minerals monazite and bastnäsite. Neodymium can be extracted from these minerals using methods such as ion exchange or solvent extraction.
Production and uses
Neodymium is mined together with other rare-earth elements. It plays an important role in modern technologies, particularly in the production of extremely powerful magnets.
China dominated neodymium mining in the past and remains one of the world's major suppliers today. Other important sources are found in Australia and the United States.
Uses of neodymium
Neodymium is combined with iron and boron to produce neodymium magnets. These are the strongest widely available permanent magnets and are used in many modern devices.
They have made it possible to reduce the size of many electronic components, including those used in mobile phones, loudspeakers, microphones and electric motors.
Neodymium is also used in glassmaking, laser technology, optics, medicine and the production of specialised alloys.
Neodymium magnets
Neodymium magnets are the best-known product associated with this element. They are lightweight, extremely powerful and, thanks to their compact dimensions, have an enormous range of practical applications.
They can be many times stronger than conventional ferrite magnets, making them suitable wherever high magnetic strength is required in a small magnet.
Neodymium lasers
Neodymium lasers are advanced technologies used in fields such as medicine and cosmetic treatment. They are used for treating certain skin conditions, hair removal, tattoo removal and some ophthalmic and dermatological procedures.
Neodymium deposits around the world
Major mining regions include China, Sri Lanka, the United States, Brazil, India and Australia.
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