Neodymium

Neodymium (Nd)

Atomic Number: 60
Atomic Weight: 144.24
Melting Point: 1021
Boiling Point: 3068
Specific Gravity: 6.80 and 7.007 (depending on form)
Valence(s): 3

Neodymium was isolated by von Welsbach in 1885. Along with other Lanthanides, it can be found in the minerals monazite and bastnasite. Neodymium colours glass in a variety of shades. Glass coloured by Neodymium is used in Astronomy and in the production of lasers as a substitute for ruby. [LM] {RW}